Mars, The Red Planet

People have been fascinated by the "Red Planet" since its canals were discovered by Giovanni Schiaparelli, an Italian astronomer in 1877. Speculation about Martian life was increased as people thought these canals were not a creation of nature, but of intelligent beings. After the first flyby, no sign of large lifeforms was evident. Mars is a dry, desolate planet. Its reddish color comes from the rust in the oxidized surface. The atmosphere, made of mostly carbon dioxide, is inhospitable for human life.

Nevertheless, the drive to find life persisted. There is no indication of present life, but Mars is believed to have once been much like Earth, with oxygen and water. Because of its smaller size, the planet's gravitational force could not hold in the lighter elements like hydrogen and oxygen. So, the atmosphere diminished and Mars became cold and dry. Any water would have to be frozen underground or in the polar icecaps. For now, the only rain is of carbon dioxide. Since Mars might have had life in the past and could help in understanding our own planet, governments have strove to explore Mars.