In an engaging new book, author and science writer David Baron unpacks the fascinating history of the human obsession with the Red Planet. “The Martians,” Baron’s latest offering, delves into the turn-of-the-century Mars craze, a period marked by rampant speculation, scientific discovery, and public fascination with our planetary neighbor.
The Mars craze began 120 years ago, sparked by Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli’s observation of what he called “canali”, or channels, on the Martian surface. This term was later mistranslated into English as “canals,” suggesting the existence of intelligent life on Mars. This misinterpretation ignited the public’s imagination, plunging society into a Martian frenzy that permeated popular culture and scientific discourse alike.
“Scientists, writers, and the general public were all captivated by the idea of intelligent Martians constructing these canals,” Baron explained. “It was a time of great scientific advancement, and many saw Mars as the next frontier.”
In “The Martians,” Baron highlights the leading figures of this era, including Percival Lowell, the wealthy American astronomer who dedicated his life to studying Mars. Lowell’s passion for the Red Planet was so intense that he built an observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, specifically to observe Mars. His writings on the subject further fueled the Mars craze and influenced a generation of scientists and science fiction writers.
Baron also discusses the role of popular media in the Mars mania. Newspapers and magazines published vivid illustrations of Martian landscapes and speculated on the potential for interplanetary communication. Even the world of fiction was not immune to the Mars fever, with authors like H.G. Wells penning the classic “War of the Worlds.”
“Despite the lack of solid evidence, the idea of life on Mars was taken very seriously,” Baron said. “This period in history is a testament to the power of human curiosity and our inherent fascination with the unknown.”
However, the Mars craze was not to last. As telescopes improved and our understanding of the planet evolved, the notion of canals and an inhabited Mars was largely debunked. Today, the focus has shifted from Martian canals to searching for microbial life and planning manned missions to Mars.
“The Martians” is not merely a history book. It’s an exploration of humanity’s enduring fascination with space, the power of scientific discovery, and our incessant drive to understand the unknown. It serves as a reminder of the role of imagination in science, and the profound impact that our celestial neighbor has had on human culture and thought.
With the recent resurgence in interest around Mars, driven by advancements in space technology and ambitious plans for human colonization, “The Martians” is a timely reflection on our historical and ongoing relationship with the Red Planet.
Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/how-the-red-planet-craze-started-120-years-ago-interview-with-the-martians-author-david-baron](https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/how-the-red-planet-craze-started-120-years-ago-interview-with-the-martians-author-david-baron).