This 360-degree panorama from NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity shows the rocky terrain surrounding it as of its 55th Martian day, or sol, of the mission (Oct. 1, 2012). The base of Mount Sharp can be seen at upper left. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
I’ve written a lot about Mars in recent years, and so have lots of other people, so I’m going to muse about a new book by one of those folks, and then talk of my own history of writing and teaching about the Red Planet.
Without a doubt, the planet remains one of the most fascinating places (for me) in the solar system. Perhaps that is why I’m drawn to projects like Uwingu’s “Beam Me to Mars” messaging fundraiser for science education and research. As of this week, nearly two dozen companies and organizations have participated as supporters in this unique project, and many individuals have signed up to send a message to Mars on the 50th anniversary of the beginning of in situ Mars exploration — November 28, 2014. I’ve posted a message of hope and inspiration simply because I have grown up thinking about our neighbor planet since I was a child. If Mars intrigues you as much as it does me, or the idea of actually GOING to Mars catches your attention, check out the project. For a few dollars you can send a message to Mars AND help fund important science and education projects.
Curiosity's first image of her shadow (left) and her wheel (right) on Mars. Courtesy NASA/Mars Science Laboratory team.
Well, that was an amazing landing on Mars! The seven minutes of terror turned out to be a smooth operation that went off like clockwork. Mr. Spacewriter and I sat and marveled at the ease with with which the Curiosity rover settled down on Mars, ready to begin a series of surface explorations. Right now, as I type this, NASA’s administrator Charles Bolden is speaking about the mission, thanking the huge team around THIS planet for their hard work putting a very sophisticated rover on the RED Planet.
What’s up next? More images, more exploration, and a chance to figure out whether life has ever existed on Mars, and even more exciting, finding out just what conditions future human explorers will find on the planet.
When you read this, just remember this: you’re part of a species that can do great things. We need to keep doing them!
A larger version of Curiosity's shadow image. Courtesy NASA.
