Man will explore Mars whether it is lifeless or not.
Here's my view of how things will turnout:
The science of molecular biology is advancing at a remarkable rate, about as fast as is physics. Within 50 years will have a full understanding of the nature of DNA of known life. We will conduct numerous robotic missions to other worlds in our system and find there is life on other worlds, and be surprised in its similarity in DNA makeup to Earth life.
From developments in in molecular biology, we will be able to recognize and be able to protect against possibly dangerous microbes we detect on those other worlds. We will conclude there is no greater danger than exploring unexplored regions on Earth.
I think the assumption that a life-bearing Mars will make it forever off-limits is based on the idea that the state of affairs with regards to infectious diseases will be the same as it is now, with great fear and uncertainty in regard to cause and origins of many diseases.
It'll take longer but within the life-times of many of our children, if not our own.
Bob Clark
Space/Science » in reply to To me a solar system teeming with marshmellow surfaces and cute kittens, gumdrop trees, and unicorns on every planet would be a beautiful idea not an ugly one.
Nor does wishing it were lifeless make it so.
The whole thread (46 posts)
- Once again Mars exobiology rears its ugly head
- Could you expand...
- Then start colonization with the very first manned mission
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ;-) (n/t)
- Does the world appear more beautiful when you're on Thorazine? :-) (n/t)
- To me a solar system teeming with life on every planet would be a beautiful idea not an ugly one.
- Does the world appear more beautiful when you're on Thorazine? :-) (n/t)