Prisoners’ plan for Mars
I am currently a prisoner at HMP Glenochil and I have always had an interest in astronomy. As prisons are places where the night heavens are masked by floodlights, I haven’t seen a star in many years. Yet I have recently been involved with a fascinating project which enlisted the unique experiences of prisoners to aid thinking on the best way to establish a base on Mars. Leading scientists from the University of Edinburgh delivered a four-part programme of scientific information and discussion, while prisoners set up groups to develop ideas around the survival and development of a colony in a wholly alien environment. Depending on skills and interests, prisoners worked on topics including science and engineering, music, plant life and politics. The whole project was brought together in a book called Life Beyond: From Prison to Mars, which was praised by the British Interplanetary Society, who then published the findings. Even though the stars are cut off to me, I still watch The Sky at Night every month. After all, I still have the Moon (sometimes). Jamie, HMP Glenochil
What a fascinating and worthwhile project, Jamie. For those interested, Life Beyond is published by the British Interplanetary Society, price £6. – Ed