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Question
Why are scientists so interested in Mars?
Mars is the most likely other place in our solar system to support life. It is the nearest we have to a second "habitable" planet in our solar system, and in the distant past (3-4 billion years ago) it was even more hospitable, with thicker atmosphere, higher temperatures, and liquid water at the surface. Mars is also relatively close to Earth and therefore not too difficult to reach with spacecraft. It seems to be the most likely place to establish human settlements, if our species decides to leave the home planet. If you search "Ask an Astrobiologist" or the news stories on this website under "Mars", you will find many discussions of the possibility of finding life on Mars.
David Morrison
NAI Senior Scientist
August 15, 2003
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