Mars: Explore the Mysteries of the Red Planet

Shauna Edson, Giles Sparrow, Mark Ruffle DK £9.99  HB

Has there ever been life on Mars? How long is a day there and what would be the best material to build homes on the Red Planet? These are some of the questions answered in this book.

Astronomy educators Giles Sparrow and Shauna Edson, and illustrator Mark Ruffle have created a fascinating guide to the Red Planet for both children and curious adults. It explores the history of Mars, while highlighting space technologies that reveal its present and give an insight into its future.

“Any building on Mars will need to be airtight, to protect the people inside from the thin, toxic Martian air. They will also need to protect against extreme temperatures and radiation on Mars,” the authors write. Although no human has been to the Red Planet yet, Mars explains what visitors might be able to see, hear, feel and even smell and taste there. For example, where does the smell of rotten eggs and metal come from?

The book is illustrated with incredible pictures captured by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and current space missions to the planet play an important role throughout. But the book’s unique angle is its focus on humans: those who are behind the robotic missions sent to Mars and those who will visit the planet in the future. There is even a checklist of skills for budding astronauts to find out the abilities they’ll need to become a Martian! This is an inspiring, educational and entertaining way to discover our neighbouring planet. ★★★★★

Sandra Kropa is a science journalist