Since the beginning of time, humans have searched for the meaning of life and for the meaning of our existence in the solar system. This never ending search for answers is the foundation that our astronomical sciences are based on. One topic that is extremely popular and often over dramatized is the search for other worlds and the possibility of other creatures on those worlds. This topic is accompanied by a lot of controversy due to science fiction and is often belittled as a serious science. However, this search carries an extensive history and can be the key to finally finding and ending our search. By reviewing and reworking past theories and beliefs, such as the Mars Canals, we may be led to the true answer behind the search. The idea …show more content…
Canali refers to a naturally made river delta structure, and Lowell’s theory was based on a man made canal. The errors in his theory stem from this simple mistake, however with the inclusion of the true meaning of canali, Lowell may be onto something with his ideas of extraterrestrial life. When Lowell’s ideas were critiqued, people claimed that Mars was far too dry and cold to ever support water or life at that time, however the recent discovery of water debunks that argument whole heartedly. The location that the water was discovered on Mars actually supports Lowell’s argument. Lowell and Schiaparelli’s images described the canals to be slopes that contoured with the land of Mars, and that’s exactly where the water on Mars was found. According to NASA, dark features along the hills on Mars are linked to flowing liquid water, proof of water being on Mars that is synonymous with Lowell’s predictions. (Sample …show more content…
To begin, Schiaparelli’s maps can be used to find more channels or slopes in hills that show evidence of water. Since astronomers continuously link water with life, identifying all the sources of water on Mars can help in discovering life forms. For example, with the idea of terraforming, scientists are trying to complete a reverse process by changing Mars from its current barren state back to the state, it was assumed to once occupy, of teeming with life. (McKay 489) If the areas that once held water are identified, astronomers may be able to terraform near these locations and may even find locations that plants once occupied. As Lowell described, flora is usually accompanied by fauna, therefore if these plants that we assume to once have occupied Mars are found, its will lead us directly to finding extraterrestrial life forms. (Lowell