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A Martian trilogy of recent publication follows the general development of Mars as an extension of human habitat that Bradbury fabled in The Martian Chronicles. Red Mars, Green Mars, Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson, describes in considerable detail the development of Mars as a second Earth with all the social, political, economic, and ecological problems that disturb our lives now. Clearly fiction, Robinson's trilogy ties into the current plans for arrival, exploration, and possible colonization. But he proposes one solution for stabilizing a newly formed government, and details, in telescoped form, the potential conflict that might arise between Mars and Earth governments.

The Case for Mars by Robert Zubin presents the rationale for immediate exploration and quick establishment of a Martian base as prelude to a colony. Zubin explains the need for such "sci-fi" steps and how the physics and technology are in place. Review of Zubin's book. Sieze the Day on Mars offers another slant on the same concept.

Destination Mars, in Art, Myth, and Science by Caidin and Barbee is a good survey about a potential human habitat that considers the human heritage of this planetary neighbor. Photo Gallery of the Planet Mars

The Monuments of Mars by Hoagland presents the case for the existence of an advanced and rational civilization of aliens that left pyramids and monuments for us to discover. Interpretation of early mapping of Mars for the Viking Lander sites are the basis for this thesis. Though the book is enjoyable reading, one must suspend skepticism to enter the spirit of the book. The Face of Cydonia

The Hunt for Life on Mars by Donald Goldsmith resulted from the original Viking experiments and the recent fossil remains found in a rock thought to have been ejected from Mars. Review

Mars | Movies | Exploration