NASA’s Discovery: Why Finding Water on Mars Matters

Science, literature and art stir the imagination and, in turn, innovation. Water still flows on Mars with seasonal patterns, reports the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration: “Nasa’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter identified waterlogged salt molecules in the long ‘streaks’ seen flowing downhill on Mars,” reports Prakash Chandra for the Hindustan Times. “The presence of so much water (enough to deluge the planet if melted) opens the door to an invaluable resource for manned Mars missions: From serving as a source of fuel, drinking water, and oxygen, to the landscaping of the Martian surface for human settlement someday.” Chandra briefly describes how scientists and writers spur each other to new achievements. The NASA announcement coincides with release of “The Martian,” a film about an astronaut stranded on the planet and his survival techniques. The essential ingredient of water connects life forms over billions of years. – YaleGlobal