Mars is the fourth planet from the sun and is easily visible from Earth. In the evening it can be spotted high in the sky and appears to look reddish in colour due to oxidation of iron in the rocks on its surface. Mars has a radius of 3390 kilometres and is about half the size of Earth (Mars Britannica School, 2019; NASA Science, 2019). It shares many similarities with Earth including its rotation of the sun (23.9 hours in duration), year length (687 Earth days) and its axis of rotation (25 degrees) (Mars Britannica School, 2019; NASA Science, 2019). Due to the above factors, it has been a source of great interest to astronomers and the general public.
Since 1960, Mars has been observed during space explorations. The surface, interior, geology and atmosphere on Mars is currently being investigated by a team of NASA’s spacecrafts, (Mars Britannica School, 2019; NASA Science, 2019). Research has indicated that Mars has a central core, rocky mantle and a solid crust and is regularly hit by dust storms, which have changed its landscape over billions of years. Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system and a massive Martian canyon system (Mars Britannica School, 2019; NASA Science, 2019). Recent astronomical research has also discovered that Mars once had liquid water and experienced a huge flood billions of years ago (NASA Science, 2019). The atmosphere on Mars, composed of mostly carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon gases, is thin and unprotected from the sun’s radiation, which also leads to temperatures falling to -153 degrees Celsius (Mars Britannica School, 2019; NASA Science, 2019). Scientists are currently looking for signs of life which may have existed many years ago.
There are more arguments for than against that Mars should be the sole focus of astronomical research for the next 5-10 years. Over many decades, there have been more than 40 space craft attempts made to observe Mars (Phys.org, 2012). The main points are that Mars is close to Earth, it shares many similarities with Earth, it may have had life and be possible for future colonisation by humans.
Mars is close to and similar to Earth
Mars is often called Earth’s twin planet, due to its proximity and many similarities. It is important to discover as much as possible about Mars, as Earth is currently experiencing great variations due to climate change and Mars may provide answers from its history of water sources evaporating (Nature, 2018). Now that traces of water and dry river beds have been observed by the Rover, this important information may be used by scientists to search for new water sources on Earth (Atmosphere, 2017; NASA, 2019; Nature, 2018).
Mars may have life and may be able to be colonised by humans in the future
Recent explorations of Mars have indicated that it once had liquid water, which is required for life billions of years ago. NASA continues to search for signs of life that may have existed. If the Earth continues to be damaged by climate change, humans may one day have to find another planet to colonise. At the moment Mars is inhabitable to humans, due to its atmosphere, high levels of radiation from the sun, lack of liquid water and average temperature. If Mars became the sole focus for astronomical research for the next 5 to 10 years, scientists may well discover safe ways for humans to visit through the development of specialised spacecraft, robotics and environmental recycling technology. With concentrated research, scientist may identify a way for humans to visit and live on Mars, in artificial habitats, which could continue the survival of the human race, if a disaster was to happen to Earth (Grady, M., 2015; Walter, M, 2019; Carberry, C & Webster, J, 2017).
Reasons against Mars being the sole astronomical focus for the next 5 to 10 years
Mars is only one planets and part of a much wider solar system. If all of the funding is directed at one planet, a decade may not be long enough to provide the answers humans are seeking about life beyond Earth and whether humans are the only living creatures in our solar systems. Apart from this, is it necessary to spend billions of dollars on space exploration at all, when there are many people on Earth already struggling with poverty, health care, lack of education and lack of basic human rights? (Orwig, J, 2015)
The claim that Mars should be the sole focus of astronomical research for the next 5-10 years has been supported by the above evidence in its favour. Research papers clearly show that due to the proximity to Earth, similarities shared with Earth and the problem of climate change on Earth, it would be of great benefit to focus on Mars for humans now and in the future (Grady, M., 2015; Walter, M, 2019; Carberry, C & Webster, J, 2017). If humans are one day able to reach Mars safely, overcome the current uninhabitable conditions and begin colonisation, humans will not only have achieved successful life on Earth but also on another planet, leading to the expansion of humanity (Grady, M., 2015; Walter, M, 2019; Carberry, C & Webster, J, 2017). With the expansion of humanity, would come further discoveries and technological advancements. A small direction of money away from some of the problems humans are facing now, could bring great benefit to future generations and this is a risk worth taking according to the recent research available.
Reference list
Is exploring Mars worth the investment? (2012, July 31) retrieved 28 October 2019 from http://phys.org/news/2012-07-exploring-mars-worth-investment.html
“Mars.” Britannica School, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Jun. 2019. School.eb.com.au/levels/middle/article/Mars/345010. Accessed 29 Oct. 2019.
NASA Science, Solar System Exploration, 6 Jun. 2019.
Of course space exploration is worth the money. Author, Monica Grady Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences, The Open University, 8 Jun. 2015 https://theconversation.com./pf-course-space-exploration-is-worth-the-money-42926
The new space race: why we need a human mission to Mars. Author, Malcolm Walter, Professor of Astrobiology, UNSW, 29 Oct. 2019.
Six essential reasons why we need to send humans to Mars, Chris Carberry, Joe Webster, Atmosphere, 17 Jan. 2017.
Why waste money on the Mars landing? House of wisdom, Nature.com
Blogs.nature.com/houseofwisdom/2012/08/why-waste-money-on-the-mars-landing.html
5 undeniable reasons humans need to colonize Mars- even though it’s going to cost billions, Jessica Orwig, 22 Apr. 2015, Business Insider.com https://www.businessinsider.com.au/5-undeniable-reasons-why-humans-should-go-to mars-2015-4?r=US&IR=T