Mars Rover Makes Its First Moves Forward

AP/Yahoo ^ | 1-19-2004 | Andrew Bridges

[ambrose]

The idea that Earth, which is just 1 out of billions of planets in the universe, is the only one which can sustain life, is both arrogant and illogical.

[old-ager]

> I do believe, admittedly without proof, that there is life elsewhere in the universe
...
> the chemicals and processes of life are present in many places throughout the universe

I don't mean to insult you, but just for the public record here, I'd like to say that your two statements encapsulate what passes for science these days. But science is about theorizing, experimenting and proving, not about things that cannot be proved. Your beliefs (admittedly in the majority in the "scientific" "community") are actually philosophy, not science. Philosophy hasn't really matured much in the last two hundred years or so. And two hundred years ago, somebody who thought life spontaneously sprang out of simple chemicals. against all reason, experience, and verifiable fact, would be thought a fool. And, though they are together on this, most people identifying themselves as scientists or interested in science are modern-day fools.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Does the human need for oxygen, and the lack of it on Mars, mean anything to you?

Using this reasoning, I guess we should have never explored the oceans of our own planet.

Nope. My reasoning would not have stopped exploring the depths of the sea. Different scenario entirely.

Why, because it was closer and convenient?

[bonesmccoy]

This photo by ESA's Mars Orbiter and courtesy of their website...

We're on one planet dude!

[bonesmccoy]

Great Economy?

NOT!

[bonesmccoy]

Great Economy = Troll

[bonesmccoy]

ESA Mars probe checks in...

19.01.2004 First HRSC close-up view of Mars This first spectacular stereoscopic colour picture was taken on 14 January 2004 by ESA’s Mars Express satellite from 275 km above the surface of Mars by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). The picture shows a portion of a 1700 km long and 65 km wide swath which was taken in south-north direction across the Grand Canyon of Mars (Valles Marineris). It is the first image of this size that shows the surface of Mars in high resolution (12 metres per pixel), in colour, and in 3D. The total area of the image on the Martian surface (top left corner) corresponds to 120 000 km². The lower part of the picture shows the same region in perspective view as if seen from a low-flying aircraft. This perspective view was generated on a computer from the original image data. One looks at a landscape which has been predominantly shaped by the erosional action of water. Millions of cubic kilometres of rock have been removed, and the surface features seen now such as mountain ranges, valleys, and mesas, have been formed.

[Phil V.]

I like that picture! Even though it's euro's I downloaded the large one. I think that it would make a kool poster.

[ambrose]

That's fine. There are certainly many more people like you in the world.. What's in it for *ME*.. Right *NOW!*

That's how Clinton ran this country for eight years.

Sometimes life requires a little forward thinking vision.

[Batrachian]

"And, though they are together on this, most people identifying themselves as scientists or interested in science are modern-day fools."

We would still be in the stone age if not for these fools, as you call them. Look around you. Is all that science has given us the work of fools? When they walked on the moon, where they fools? Or when they invented medicines, or the computer, or the internet? Fools are those who live off the blessings of science and yet reject its teachings in favor of superstitions that where ridiculous 2000 years ago, much less today.

[StopGlobalWhining]

I would like to see more of my federal taxes spent on programs to advance science, engineering, and natural history, than into the black hole of so-called "social programs".

Since 1964, starting with the failed Lyndon Johnson "Great Society" we have poured more than $5 trillion dollars down a black hole, with no positive results to show for it. The percentage of "poor" people today is not much different than in 1964.

Typically, only 28% to 34% of all federal tax revenues collected for "social programs" ever reach their intended recipients.

I'd rather see that money used in the pursuit of pure knowledge than be wasted by throwing it away on enabling more social parasites.

Contact the White House and your Senators and House Rep to demand continuance of the Hubble Telescope upgrade and support program!

[Fester Chugabrew]

I remember in grade school when I was in a moderated "debate" over the space program. Almost the whole class was for it, and I was on the opposing side. I tend to believe the same today, namely that funds could be better spent in other areas.

Nevertheless I will tell you this: I am impressed with this Mars rover. Articles like this indicate that grown ups are in control. I mean, can you imagine if we turned the rover over to a bunch of MTV types? Those idiots would have popped a wheely off the pad and lost that sucker in 5 seconds.

[tet68]

Nothing wrong with that -- but remember what the "fi" stands for.

Remember, without the "fi" Von Braun might not have dreamed of space flight, Glenn, Shepard, all the rest might never have wanted to fly. Fiction CAN become reality, happens every day.