The Future of Mars
In The Future of Mars, Professor Brian Cox explains how scientists continue to explore Mars and what finding life on Mars means for the existence of life in the Universe. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Planets, a series that explores the dramatic lives of the eight planets in our Solar System.
Lesson Express
Q: What is the next step for Mars exploration?
A: Scientists want to bring samples from Mars home and study them to learn if there was life on Mars.
Q: Why is it important to explore Mars? What do scientists want to learn?
A: Scientists want to learn about the possibility of other life in the Universe.
Q: Do you agree with the scientist who said, “it’s more surprising to not find life” on Mars? Why or why not?
A: Student responses will vary.
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In Reaching the Surface of Mercury, Professor Brian Cox explains how scientists were able to send the space probe Messenger to Mercury, a particularly difficult planet for us to explore. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Planets, a series that explores the dramatic lives of the eight planets in our Solar System.
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