Mars

Description

Mars is a small world with a big reputation. This mysterious, singular planet—with volcanoes that dwarf Mount Everest, a canyon system that would stretch fully across the United States, and curious landscapes that perhaps once harbored water—has fascinated us for centuries. In the most up-to-date account available of the elusive Red Planet, Stephen James O’Meara follows our longstanding love affair with this unique celestial body, from the musings of humanity’s first stargazers to the imaginings of science-fiction writers, radio broadcasters, and filmmakers, to the latest images and discoveries from the Curiosity rover. The book also reviews plans for piloted missions to Mars—and what it will take for those missions to succeed. Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents 1. Communion with Mars 2. The ‘Miniature of Our Earth’ 3. Romancing Mars 4. The First Emissaries to Mars 5. Lifting the Curse at Mars 6. Scouting Out Humanity’s Next Home 7. Mars: Our Home Away from Home? 8. The Lilliputian Moons of Mars 9. Observing Mars Appendix I: Mars Oppositions, 2020–35 Appendix II: Mars Fact Sheet Appendix III: Mars Missions References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index