The Planet Mars

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Twenty years after the Viking missions of the ’70s, we are set to return to Mars, with ten missions planned between 1996 and 2003, and human exploration possibly by the mid-twenty-first century. This exploration will build on the legacy of early pioneers whose discoveries and setbacks are vividly chronicled in this engaging account. The narrative traces humanity's fascination with Mars from early naked-eye observations to telescopic discoveries of its surface features. Through captivating anecdotes, it explores the debate over Mars' so-called canals, which fueled speculation about potential life on the planet. The book also delves into recent theories and advancements made possible by unmanned spacecraft, marking significant progress in our understanding of Mars. Well-researched and infused with human interest, this work serves as a valuable guide to interpreting the forthcoming surge of news about Mars. Amateurs will find inspiration in the contributions of fellow enthusiasts, while professionals will encounter original, previously unpublished material. With the American Mars Global Surveyor set to launch in November 1996 and a Russian mission planned for October 1997, a new chapter in Mars exploration is about to unfold, signaling that our journey with this enigmatic planet has only just begun.