Explanation:
1. The topic the author is exploring is the long-discussed subject of how bored our life will be when humans explore Mars and other planets.
2. The author seeks to inform his audience about ongoing research by scientists to understand the human mind better so they know how we can deal with the natural feelings of boredom. This is made evident in the comment by the author,
"Research at the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) project, funded in part by NASA, is a continuation of a long history of attempts to understand what will happen to people who travel through outer space for long periods of time."
3. First, the author begins by sharing the view of Sheryl Bishop, "who studies human performance in extreme environments" on the matter. Next, the viewpoint of a professor of cognitive neuroscientist, James Danckert, and that of other astronauts.
4. An important fact mention was, "An important lesson that Antarctica can impart on a Mars expedition is this: even scientists on important missions can get excruciatingly bored."
This statement supports the overall theme of the article, about the dangers attached to space exploration.