Today is a day for short updates, rather than deep essays. Update number 1: if you're interested in going to Mars, check out this podcast from Popular Mechanics in which I discuss the challenges astronauts would face living and working on Mars. The magazine will be running a series of articles on the future space travel, including one by me on the Red Planet. (NB: contrary to how PM introduces me, I am not officially "New York Times astrobiology reporter." The Times just lets me write about life elsewhere when a cool story arises.)
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In this post: the large versions of the Life Science and Physical Science channel photos, comments from readers, and the best posts of the week!
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"I am looking at the future with concern, but with good hope." -Albert Schweitzer
As you all know, the most ambitious interplanetary mission ever attempted -- Mars Science Laboratory -- successfully landed its Curiosity rover on Mars earlier this week. Last night, I had the opportunity to go on my…
"In any field, find the strangest thing and then explore it." -John Archibald Wheeler
Sometimes, things get difficult. Sometimes, there are challenges you have to face that you never even expected, much less were prepared for. And sometimes, it seems like there's no point in even holding on to hope…
Recently, I expressed an opinion on this site in favor of a manned mission to Mars. I was met with many comments -- both positive and negative -- discussing this position. So I'd like to, first off, find out what your opinions on it are:
I realize that there are many other deciding factors on…
For whatever little it might be worth, I saw the new sci-fi movie "Sunshine" last Friday, and while it contains more than enough stuff and nonsense, some of the scenes on the spaceship were actually very interesting. I would recommend it to persons interested in space travel--especially the psychology of space travel. How they got their gravity, I don't know, and the third act is painfully out of place, but the notion of what might happen to a crew of eight over a long journey is explored decently.
I am pretty skeptical about the journey to Mars. It would take astronauts 6 months to get there then remain on the red planet for one year then return to Earth. What's the odd of returning home safe? The excursion can also be exciting. I look forward reading the articles.