4th rock from the Sun
Subtitle: the story of Mars
By: Nicky Jenner
Series: Bloomsbury Sigma -- book twenty-two; Bloomsbury sigma series -- bk. 22.
Published: 2017
Language: eng
Number of pages: 272
ISBN-13: 9781472922496; 9781472922502
Other titles: Fourth rock from the Sun :; Story of Mars
Description: "Mars is ingrained in our culture, from David Bowie's extra-terrestrial Spiders to H.G. Wells's The War of the Worlds. The red planet has inspired hundreds of scientists, authors and filmmakers--but why? What is it about this particular planet that makes it so intriguing? Ancient mythologies defined Mars as a violent harbinger of war, and astrologers found meaning in the planet's dance through the sky. Stargazers puzzled over Mars's unfamiliar properties; some claimed to see canals criss-crossing its surface, while images from early spacecraft showed startling faced and pyramids carved out of rusty rock. Did Martians exist? If so, were they intelligent, civilised beings? We now have a better understanding of Mars: its red hue, small moons, atmosphere (or lack of it), and mysterious past. Robots have trundled across the planet's surface, beaming back astonishing views of the alien landscape and seeking clues on how it has evolved. While little green Martians are now firmly the preserve of literature, evidence is growing that the now arid, frozen planet was once warmer, wetter, and possibly thronging with microbial life. Soon, we may set food on the planet. What challenges are involved, and how are we preparing for them? Is there a future for humanity on Mars? In 4th Rock from the Sun, Nicky Jenner reviews Mars in its entirety, exploring its nature, attributes, potential as a human colony and impact on 3rd Rock-culture--everything you need to know about the Red Planet"--Jacket.
Notes: Includes index.
Table of contents: title: Mars fever; title: The wolf and the woodpecker; title: Marvin and the Spiders; title: Death stars and little green Martians; title: The motions of Mars; title: The massive Mars problem; title: Phobos and Deimos; title: The draw of Cydonia; title: Life on Mars?; title: Robot cars on Mars; title: Destination : Mars; title: The future of the red planet; title: Appendix: Chronological list of Mars missions.