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Step-by-step explanation:
The mystery of Mars has captivated scientists and the public for centuries. The red planet, named for the Roman god of war, has long been the subject of speculation and study. In the 19th century, Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli observed what he believed to be canals on Mars, leading to speculation that the planet was home to intelligent life. However, it was later determined that these "canals" were simply an optical illusion.
In the 1960s and 1970s, NASA's Mariner and Viking missions sent spacecraft to Mars to gather data and study the planet's surface. These missions revealed a barren, rocky terrain with no signs of life. However, they also discovered evidence of past water activity on the planet, leading scientists to believe that Mars may have once had a more hospitable environment.
In recent years, the search for evidence of past or present life on Mars has intensified. NASA's rover missions, including the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, have been exploring the planet's surface and gathering data on its geology and potential habitability. In 2021, NASA's Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars, and is now exploring the Jezero Crater to hunt for signs of ancient microbial life, as well as collecting rock samples to be returned to Earth on a future mission.
Despite the advances in our understanding of Mars, many questions remain unanswered. Is there or was there ever life on Mars? What happened to the water that once flowed on the planet's surface? And what can we learn about the history and potential habitability of Mars that can inform our understanding of other planets and the potential for life beyond Earth? The mystery of Mars continues to captivate scientists and the public alike as we search for answers.