Mars enigma

Nasa's Phoenix Lander is on Mars. Everyday we are getting new images and new observations from the surface of the Mars. Looks like it has finally confirmed presence of water on the planet. Now it is going to look for organic molecules to confirm signatures of life. The latest news is mission has got extended till 30th September. By then hopefully we'll have an answer to the question, Is there life on Mars?

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When I was a little girl. I got introduced to planets in our solar systems through my textbooks. When I learnt to track them through telescopes; Mars was the red non twinking one in the vast sky of twinkling stars. Our gang of four girls in school was also called Mars. There were also myths and superstitions surrounding this planet. But my fascination with stars, planets, galaxies and telescopes never really allowed me to venture closer to astrology.

In India, it is believed that planetary positions at the time of birth of a child, which are marked on the horoscope, have a bearing on the future of the child. Many a astrologers have used presence of Mars to scare away prospective grooms. Astrological calculations predict a certain position of Mars in a girl's horoscope means ill-omen for the person she marries. Mars is a dreaded planet for superstitious. Couple of years ago we all saw first family of India's bollywood going through all kinds of rituals to nullify the ill-effect of Mars in the horoscope of prospective bride and groom, both great superstars of India.

I am not qualified to comment on whether Phoenix Lander and its findings will bring any changes on astrology front. It should bring in a new perspective for generation next. But for astronomers it is a great day to celebrate. And a biggest scientific and technological achievement to be able to scoop out soil from surface of Mars using robotic arms and analyze it from Earth stations. Congratulations, NASA. And three cheers for one my favourite planets !!

Image and Source:efluxmedia