3-16: Could We Move To Mars?

A. Space Exploration

Humans have only explored a small fraction of our universe. It is predicted that there are approximately 21 trillion galaxies to explore, yet we have only sent people as far as the moon. Spacecrafts and other space inventions have traveled beyond our galaxy, but there is still a lot we don’t know about the many planets and objects that make up our universe. 

Many organizations, such as SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, NASA, and Orbital Sciences Corp., are continuing to invest significant time, resources, and money in efforts to help us find a new planet, like Mars, that we could inhabit. 

B. Read

Could we move to Mars or should we save Earth?

Read more about each side’s argument and determine what we know so far about our galaxy and whether or not we continue to explore space or try to better our planet for the future. 

As you read, think about these questions: 

  • What have astronomers discovered so far?
  • What makes Mars a habitable planet? 
  • What actions are organizations taking to better our planet’s future? 
  • Where should we be spending our limited resources and energy? 
  • Who is Arushi Nath, and why is her work important?
  • What are the various ways that we can all help?

Fact Finder: Write down any important information in the “Fact Finder” section of your Mission Log.

C. NASA Explores Mars

NASA has been exploring and learning about Mars for many years. Watch these videos to learn more about what NASA has discovered and whether they believe we could live on Mars.

D. What could life on Mars look and feel like?

People have already started to think about what life on Mars might be like. Look at the slide show to see what some people believe life could be like on Mars.

E. Is Mars habitable?

It’s time to do some analysis.  Turn to your Mission Log. Spend some time jotting down all of the things that you have learned about what makes Earth habitable by humans. Now write down all of the things that make Mars a good candidate and the challenges it has. Do you think Mars is a possibility for a new home for humans? 

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