PHYSICS

Life on Mars 👽

Discovered in 1610 by Galileo Galilei, Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is our closest neighbour in the Solar System. Often referred to as the “Red Planet” due to its distinctive rusty appearance, it has many surface features reminiscent of our Earth, including vast deserts, polar ice caps, extinct volcanoes, and the largest canyon in the Solar System, Valles Marineris. Maybe this is why Elon Musk asserts that humans could land on Mars within four years and be living there in a self-sustaining city in twenty years. Is this more Musk waffle, or is Elon onto something?

At the forefront of this argument is Mars’ geological record. Observations made by telescopes and from rover missions have revealed ancient riverbeds, lake basins, and mineral deposits consistent with the historical presence of liquid water. Subsurface ice deposits further fuel this speculation. However, none of these findings constitutes definitive evidence of life. Mars has a very thin atmosphere composed predominantly of carbon dioxide; furthermore, the low atmospheric pressure provides minimal protection from solar radiation. The thin atmosphere renders liquid water on the surface unstable, further complicating the planet’s potential to support life.

💡 Things to consider

• But what IS life? The search for possible habitability on Mars is not merely a technical question but also a philosophical one. What would it mean to discover alien life, especially microbial, non-intelligent life?  It would provoke questions about origin, uniqueness, and moral obligation: does the mere existence of life imply value or rights? Would we study it, protect it, or exploit it?

  

  But what is life?

• Back to colonialism? Assuming the discovery of even just a once habitable environment, there would be profound implications for humanity’s ambitions to colonise the planet. Would the presence of indigenous life forms prohibit human settlement on ethical grounds? Conversely, does the absence of life grant us the right to terraform or exploit Martian resources? If we continue to define progress in terms of economic expansion, technological advancement, and territorial conquest, are we repeating colonial patterns? Should progress instead be measured by ecological stability, social cohesion, and intergenerational equity?

• Was WALL-E right? Amid rampant consumerism, environmental neglect, and unmanageable waste, humanity abandons Earth. Sound vaguely familiar? Is it rational to believe that the same economic systems which have driven environmental degradation, such as extractive capitalism and endless growth, can be repurposed to solve it? If we cannot manage Earth responsibly, what precedent are we setting for how we might treat other planets? Would humanity become a destructive force elsewhere, repeating the same mistakes, but on a cosmic scale?

  

  WALL-E knows best.

🔎 Find out more

• More on finding evidence for life on Mars

🍒 The cherry on top

• 🧠 Stress and Your Brain: This TED-Ed lesson by Madhumita Murgia explains how chronic stress physically alters your brain — shrinking your hippocampus, impairing memory, and even increasing your risk for mental illnesses. But don’t worry: the video also highlights how exercise and mindfulness can help reverse some of the damage! A must-watch if you’re interested in Psychology, Neuroscience, or Biology!

• ✍️ Sinan Antoon’s Poems: This set of poems by Iraqi poet Sinan Antoon (translated by Sara Elkamel) explores exile, death, and spiritual loss through spare and powerful imagery — from mourning winds to drowned voices. A beautiful, somber read if you’re interested in MFL, Poetry, Translation, or Middle Eastern Literature!

• 🎨 What is Art?: This Philosophy Now article surveys some people’s view on art and beauty from around the world. A fascinating read to get you thinking about your own opinion if you’re interested in Philosophy or Art!

👀 Keep your eyes peeled for…

• 30th April

  • Oxford Maths Public Lecture

  • UEA Economics Taster Session

  • UEA International Relations Taster Session

  • University of Warwick Routes to Medicine Webinar

• 1st May

  • Sheffield Computer Science Taster Session

  • St Anne’s College Oxford Fractals Webinar

  • UEA Biology Taster Session

  • UEA Psychology Taster Session

• 3rd May

  • Oxford Online Maths Open Day

🗳️ Poll