Ed,

I used to think science shouldn't depend on belief either, but the fact is, belief still plays a significant role in the advancement of science. It must of took a lot of "faith" (in the data) or "belief" when the first nuclear reaction explosion was set off. No one knew for sure if the cahin reaction would ever stop. Hoffman believes his theory is correct, Levin, Christiansen do likewise, otherwise they wouldn't publish what they think are their findings. Bekieving in what you do and believing in yourself are still are very large part of science. Sure some will deny it, but just try trodding on someone's pet theory and see what happens. All of us on this bbs believe in our convections about one thing or another, so do most researchers. So, belief in data, right or wrong, is still alive and well.

As far as water on Mars. I think anyone who studies a topographic map of Mars and says no liquid water could be responsible for the tributaries, tear drop isalnds, and rampart craters is in my opinion way out there in la la land.

BD