One small selfie for man

If you roll your eyes at selfies then perhaps the latest interplanetary version will hook you. Taken on the barren surface of Mars, the picture from the Insight probe will be the first of many over the next two years.

Past probes have focused on finding signs of life – eight successful missions have landed on Mars – but the latest venture will study the interior of the planet in greater detail than ever before.

Whatever life may have existed on Mars has died out. This mission should provide answers as to why and lay the groundwork for future exploration. Little is known about the planet’s subsoil or inner core.

When humans finally land on Mars, envisioned for the 2030s, this data will help to guide them in the exploration and, possibly, the settlement of the Red Planet.

Unrealistic? It might seem so right now but the pictures coming from the surface of the fourth rock from the sun are another stage in our fascination with our interstellar neighbour.

The findings could lead to the moment when humans first set foot on another planet – a feat that will eclipse 21 July 1969.