The new Lake on Mars has be mesmerised.
Its not so much the science more the science fiction that's sweeping through my mind whipping up fast eddies of new hope.
For some reason the thought of a large body of clear water on another planet close-by almost brings a tear to my eye, which is sort of fitting really. A martian tear so to speak.
What gleaming craft, what chromed propellers would glide through that crystal pool, piercing its untroubled surface and breaking through the icy crust like a marlin!
It is the stuff of dreams, where glacial waves lap shores of frosted Martian sand and the distant sun glints on the virgin sea, warming it's currents like an invitation to life.
But therein lies the rub readers. How do we enter such an ancient off-world lake without changing it forever?
Tricky. There are, I believe, ideas about that. Planetary Protection, Nasa calls it! Sounds very sf in itself!
ReplyDeleteThere was a similar problem here recently where a virgin sub-polar lake, Vostok, was discovered and the Russian bore team could not prevent contamination. Tricky machanics and controversial all round as no doubt it will be if we ever wish to sample the Martian Lake https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Vostok
DeleteThat is so beautifully put Woodsy, like a Martian equivalent of the lake Vostok under eastern Antarctica.
ReplyDeleteThe circumstances on Mars would be a bit different though: more like a mineral soup, under excruciating pressure and in liquid state even in -68 degree Celsius. But water nevertheless!
Enjoyed very much watching the movie Europa Report (2013) which even gives a glimpse of what might wait for us in those far-away lakes.
Thanks Arto. I found the discovery inspiring. there can be no more potent a symbol of life to humanity than water. As for Europa Report, I didn't know about that and now I do its on my list for the summer. Thanks!
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