NASA's next stop?
© NASA
We Earthlings have long been fascinated by Mars. The red planet has inspired myriad myths and legends—as well as some fantastic science fiction. Since the early 1970s dozens of unmanned exploration vehicles have orbited the planet, or landed on its iron-rich soil. We've learned a great deal about Mars from this research, but the most exciting discoveries likely lay ahead, when humans will first touch down on another planet. Missions to Mars are in the development stages across government agencies and private tech companies alike. NASA has set a goal to get astronauts on Mars by the 2030s. (No word if Matt Damon is on board with the plan.)
A celestial window
Stars over Sam Phan Bok
Seeing double
A Southwest silhouette
No telescope required
A state in space
Stone city stargazing
Gazing into the past