SPACE EXPLORATION

.. SPACE EXPLORATION THE POSSIBILITY OF PRIOR LIFE ON MARS In 1988, 8 years before scientists in the USA discovered evidence of life on Mars, futurist Gordon Michael Scallion (see Topic #33) wrote the following: "The earth was still in its formative stage at the time that Mars was already a thriving civilization. Life existed [on Mars] for millions of years before humans inhabited Earth, some 18 million years ago. "There was abundance and fruitfulness in the Martian land. The climate in the two major cities was tropical. "War brought upon total destruction... The weaponry of their day, their defense system, turned upon themselves and totally eradicated the planet." Scallion also predicted in 1988 that the U.S. and Russia would begin a space exploration program in 1992 (They did.) and that the joint program would some time later bring back evidence of life on Mars. He said that what would be found would be "much devastation." According to Scallion, the Martian surface was so decimated that very little would ever be found. But he said that scientists would have no doubt that a civilization had existed there and that it had been destroyed. Not long ago Scallion's prediction was scoffed at by most people, but not everyone is laughing anymore. It now seems possible that an advanced civilization may once have lived on Mars many millions of years ago, and that the remains are strewn all over the planet. The first evidence of that came from NASA's Viking I space Probe in 1976. In the photos sent back to earth by the Viking was what looked like a humanoid face in the Cydonia region of Mars staring up into space. NASA said it was just a trick of light and shadow but others were not so sure. It became known as the "Face on Mars". In 1997 NASA's Pathfinder sent back pictures of the Martian landscape which photo enhancers said showed a second "Face" as well as pieces of artificially-made objects scattered all over the ground. Then in April of 1998 the Mars Global Surveyor sent back pictures of the same area which seemed to show pyramids and other marks which could have been manufactured. NASA's immediate response was to deny that any evidence of a prior civilization on Mars existed, but many scientists and Mars watchers around the world were not convinced. Although there are still lots of skeptics, many people now believe that we may be on the verge of the greatest discovery in human history. Words and Phrases formative stage: the beginning before ...Earth: before any people lived on earth abundance ...fruitfulness: There: was enough food and wealth weaponry ....day: the weapons which they had at that time eradicated: destroyed (erased) joint program. They are working together. devastation: destruction, ruin decimated: destroyed, changed from its previous, original condition (be) scoffed at: ridiculed (laughed at) the ...planet: There are small pieces of evidence such as buildings, tools, etc. scattered all over the land. space probe: examiner, gatherer of information humanoid: looks like a human or pre-human Pathfinder: small robot on wheels that landed on Mars in 1997. photo enhancers: people who use computers to show small details in pictures artificially-made: not natural Mars watchers: people who are: very interested in Mars on ...history: We may be close to making the most important discovery of all time. Questions for Discussion What do you think of the "Face on Mars" and the "City" which is 2u kilometers away! Tell why you think so. I think it is proof that an ancient civilization once lived on Mars. I think it is just a hill that looks like a face from far away. What do you believe concerning the possibility of life on Mars? Tell why you think so. I think life once existed there but doesn't anymore. I think life still exists there in microscopic form. I think the whole thing is nonsense--life never existed there. Why would the U.S. government want to hide information about life on Mars? Do you think they are covering up the truth? Do they know things that they are not telling us? What do you think of space exploration in general--should it be done or is it just a waste of money! Explain your opinion. I think that money spent on space exploration should be used to feed the hungry people on the earth. Space exploration is a waste of money. I think that the exploration of space is very important. Another opinion. Explain. If you answered b., then WHY do you think that it is important for us to explore space? If it is someday proven that an advanced civilization did really exist on Mars long ago, what effect will that knowledge have on each of the following: science, education, history, religion? Do you think that other countries besides the U.S. and Russia should become involved in the exploration of space? Why or why not?