Projects: Space Information
The Planetary Report
Volume XXV, Number 5, September/October 2005
Credit: Jacek Wierzchos, University of Llieda (top) and ESA / DLR / FU Berlin
(G. Neukum) (bottom) |
On the Cover
Though Chile’s Atacama Desert is more thoroughly etched by past
water than is the surface of Mars, it compares strikingly well with
images from Mars at a variety of scales. This image of an intermountain
drainage basin looks superficially similar to the walls
and floor of Mars’ Valles Marineris.
From The Editor
The damage that Earth inflicts on her
inhabitants—horribly demonstrated
by Hurricane Katrina and the December
tsunami—reminds us what fragile creatures
we are, lucky to survive at all on this dynamic,
dispassionate ball of rock hurtling through
space.
Our exploration of other worlds has
taught us that the potential for planetary
catastrophe is always with us. On Mars,
we’ve seen planet-rending gouges cut by
catastrophic floods. Every world of rock
and ice bears the scars of encounters with
comets and asteroids.
Within the blink of an eye—geologically
speaking—Earth will heal her shallow,
insignificant wounds from wind and water,
but the damage to her human inhabitants
will linger for what is, to them, a very, very
long time.
The question is raised: what can we do to prevent other, even greater, catastrophes?
In New Orleans and around the Indian Ocean people are pursuing early warning
systems and better means of flood control. Such things can and should be implemented.
But we need also to look outward, into the solar system; for example, some
potentially lethal rock may be heading for us now. A planetary perspective—that
gift of the space age—can help us prepare for and possibly prevent an
impact that could doom human civilization. This is what The Planetary Society
works toward, even as we mourn our losses and look to the future.
— Charlene M. Anderson
Features
Dry Earth, Wet Mars
Sometimes the best place to learn about Mars exploration
is right here on
Earth. In Chile’s Atacama Desert, scientists have discovered an area
so dry that
organic material, and therefore evidence of life, is virtually undetectable.
Study of
this parched Mars-like region on Earth may lead us to a better understanding
of
how to search for water and the elements of life in Martian soil. This
year, The
Planetary Society cosponsored a field expedition to the Atacama Desert,
sending
graduate student Troy Hudson on a 1-week adventure with a team of scientists
led
by Society Board member Chris McKay. Here, Troy describes his experience.
The Pioneer Anomaly: A Deep Space Mystery
As Pioneer 10 and 11 head
toward the farthest reaches of our solar system,
something strange is happening—they are mysteriously slowing down. Scientists
do not yet know why the spacecraft aren’t acting as expected; however,
The
Planetary Society has stepped in to help fund the effort to analyze roughly
25 years
of data in hopes of solving the mystery. Society Vice President Bill Nye
clearly
explains this complicated problem in terms that everyone can understand.
Out
of This World Books
Just in time for the busy holiday season, we have selected
seven new
space-related books to share with you. From a user-friendly guide to astronomy
and space exploration, to beautifully illustrated books showing us where
we’ve
been and where we’re going, to two children’s books written by
famous astronauts,
there is something for everyone.
Departments
Members’ Dialogue
We Make It Happen!
World Watch
Society News
Questions and Answers
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