Probing the mystique of Mars
Scientists say finding life there would be a major discovery, but so would finding none at all. Or, as a cosmic wag once put it, "The only thing more mind-boggling than imagining life on other planets is imagining ourselves alone in the universe."
The 422-million mile journey has been in the works for more than five years. And though "elegant" is usually a term reserved for fashion and mathematics, the operation — so far — has indeed been elegant. Soon the Phoenix will extend an arm and dig amid the dust and ice, looking for hydrogen and carbon molecules — the building blocks of life.
In short, Phoenix is hoping to unearth a Martian "carbon footprint."
Why Mars?
Logical and scientific reasons abound, of course. But part of the intrigue is being fueled by the romance "earthlings" have had with Mars since writers first began spinning tales of little green men. Like wolves at a campfire, human beings are both attracted to — and alarmed by — the planet. The fact it is named for the Roman god of war adds to its mythology.
And if humanity's best efforts fail to turn up any notion of life on Mars?
Never fear.
Other planets await. Then other galaxies.
Humanity's search for new friends will go on — despite our inability to establish workable friendships among ourselves.
Recent comments
The most interesting aspect of the Life on Mars question is really...
Jim | May 27, 2008 at 6:28 p.m.
