I support the current focus of space research into determining if life exists on other planets/moons in our system. It's definitely a fascinating scientific question.
However, once the commercial interests start wanting a piece of Mars, I won't be concerned about not finding some species of microbes hiding in the rocks of Mars. There is enough evidence that through meteor activity, the inner planets have been trading material for a long time. That makes me think that the whole solar system is one big ecosystem, albeit with pretty significant barriers between the "islands". Whatever Life material there might be on Mars probably came from Earth anyway.
At least, not until we've returned to the moon.. and then waited 30 years to return to the moon again...
The experts' estimates of how long it would take to terraform Mars range from about 50-100 years, all the way up to 10,000+ years. So, I doubt it will be any time soon before we even come to a consensus about the time scale for terraforming a planet, let alone get the $$ and manpower/willpower to make it happen. Unless Ahhhnold can provide a Deus ex machina, it is very unlikely that people will be breat
Once we are done Terraforming Mars we should be smart enough to Terraform earth back. I see this as a noble long term goal if not nothing but a Backup Home Planet. May not be as good as the origional but good enough untill we get the old one working again.
Martians (Score:3, Interesting)
I support the current focus of space research into determining if life exists on other planets/moons in our system. It's definitely a fascinating scientific question.
However, once the commercial interests start wanting a piece of Mars, I won't be concerned about not finding some species of microbes hiding in the rocks of Mars. There is enough evidence that through meteor activity, the inner planets have been trading material for a long time. That makes me think that the whole solar system is one big ecosystem, albeit with pretty significant barriers between the "islands". Whatever Life material there might be on Mars probably came from Earth anyway.
Bring on the terraformers.
Martian? (Score:2, Funny)
Never! (Score:2)
Terraform Mars (Score:4, Funny)
Martian poll? (Score:2)