Life on Mars: Is it really possible?
Now that Curiosity is beaming back Earth-like pictures of Martian landscape, the old question raises its head: Could man and woman ever go there? The answer is very definitely yes. There are a number of practical challenges to overcome first, however. There are differences between Earth and Mars, but also a number of similarities.
Phobos and Deimos
Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a polar magnetic field. Scientists believe that the two Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, are little planets.
For the annual IGEM or International Genetically Engineered Machines competition, students around the world attempt to make living cells perform new tasks. In preparation for the human colonization of Mars, seeds and organic matter would have to be transported from Earth to begin growing plants and establishing a food supply.
Super-sized Bees
Plants need pollinators as well as water, and the best pollinator on Earth is the humble bee-and entire hives would be transported to Mars.
Overcoming Challenges-Opening Possibilities
There will be other challenges to overcome, for example, the effect on the human body of living in a field with low gravity.
| A．IGEM |
| B．The next question is: Could man colonize Mars? |
| C．Once there, the insects would be let loose among the plants. |
| D．However, all kinds of other interesting things will be happening. |
| E．But these are already issues for astronauts living on the International Space Station. |
| F．They do not have the stabilizing effect on the spin of the planet like the moon has upon Earth. |
| G．Mars has Earth-like seasons and the planet surface is abundant in minerals essential for plant growth. |
