Why We Need to Return to Mars: Unveiling the Red Planet's Secrets

For decades, Mars has captivated scientists and space enthusiasts alike. Initial observations painted it as a barren, lifeless world. However, further exploration has revealed a far more complex and intriguing planet, hinting at a past potentially teeming with water and even life. This article explores the compelling reasons why returning to Mars is not just a scientific endeavor, but a crucial step in understanding our place in the universe.

A History of Discovery: From Mariner 4 to Modern Missions

In 1965, Mariner 4 provided the first close-up image of Mars, leading some to prematurely dismiss the planet as a "dead world." Fortunately, NASA persisted, launching the Viking program in 1976. This mission sent two orbiters and two landers, marking an unprecedented achievement in space exploration. The first color photograph from the surface of Mars revealed a red, rocky landscape, confirming its iconic hue.

Mars: More Earth-like Than We Thought?

While Mars is about half the size of Earth, its land area is comparable due to Earth's vast oceans. Topographic measurements have unveiled remarkable features, including:

• Olympus Mons: The largest volcano in the solar system, larger than the state of Arizona. Volcanoes are critical in creating atmospheres and oceans.
• Valles Marineris: A canyon system stretching 3,000 miles across, dwarfing the Grand Canyon.
• Hellas Basin: The solar system's largest impact crater, a testament to the planet's tumultuous past.

The Mystery of Martian Magnetism

One of the most perplexing questions is the presence of highly magnetized regions on the Martian surface, known as crustal magnetism. The cause of this phenomenon remains a significant mystery, highlighting gaps in our understanding of the planet's geological history.

The Search for Water: Evidence of a Wet Past

While liquid water doesn't exist on the surface of Mars today, compelling evidence suggests a wetter past. Images from missions like Spirit and Opportunity reveal signs of fast-flowing water. Furthermore, there is evidence of:

• Polar Ice Caps: Water ice exists at the North and South Poles.
• Subsurface Ice: Measurements indicate significant amounts of frozen water beneath the surface.
• Ancient Oceans: Scientists believe that in its early history, Mars possessed planetary-scale oceans, primarily in the northern hemisphere.

Water: The Key to Life

Water is essential for life as we know it. Its presence, even in the past, makes Mars a prime candidate for harboring extraterrestrial life. The discovery of frozen water in craters further fuels this possibility.

Methane on Mars: A Sign of Life?

The most intriguing discovery is the presence of methane (CH4) in the Martian atmosphere. On Earth, almost all methane is produced by living organisms. The detection of distinct methane plumes on Mars raises the tantalizing possibility of microbial life existing beneath the surface, particularly in the oldest regions of the planet.

Ares: A Vision for Future Exploration

To unravel the mysteries of Mars, scientists have proposed innovative solutions, such as Ares (Aerial Regional-Scale Environmental Surveyor), a robotic, rocket-powered airplane. This aircraft could fly a mile above the surface at 450 miles per hour, covering vast distances and accessing areas inaccessible to rovers and landers. Ares could:

• Sample the atmosphere for methane and other gases.
• Study surface features, magnetism, and subsurface water.
• Inspire the public and the next generation of scientists and engineers.

How Ares Would Work

Ares would be transported to Mars folded inside a spacecraft. Upon entering the Martian atmosphere, the spacecraft would deploy a parachute, release the airplane, and Ares would unfold its wings for its maiden flight. This mission could rewrite our understanding of Mars in a single hour.

Ready to Fly: A Call to Action

The Ares team has conducted extensive testing in Earth's atmosphere, simulating Martian conditions. A full-scale model is ready for launch. The only thing missing is funding. Just as the Wright brothers made history at Kitty Hawk, we are on the verge of making the first powered flight on another planet. Returning to Mars is not just about scientific discovery; it's about inspiring the future and securing our place among the stars.