The Real Mars [Hardcover]

Michael Hanlon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2004

In January 2004 two NASA spacecraft, making an interplanetary trek to Mars, landed separately on the rocky surface of the red planet. By the end of the month the work of the twin robot geologists, the exploration rovers known as Spirit and Opportunity, had begun. The photos and evidence were exciting; and it seemed there might even be life on the fourth rock from the sun. Illustrated in color, with more than 100 spectacular orbital and surface images from recent probes as well as from NASA spacecraft, the Hubble space telescope, and Earth-based observatories, Michael Hanlon’s The Real Mars relates the history of a planet that has piqued human curiosity and study for centuries. Hanlon also visits Mars as it has been imagined in movies and science fiction, illustrating this with film stills, movie posters, book covers, and more. The object of Hanlon’s quest is, however, a third or real Mars. He contends that many scientists are currently creating a planet that may be no more real than a movie Mars with often confusing evidence of Earthlike possibilities. This book shows us that, although the journey has been long, we actually still stand at the beginning of a transformative voyage.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Carroll & Graf (October 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786714131
• ISBN-13: 978-1405036399
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,219,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Collection of Data and Pictures, January 18, 2005

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Real Mars (Hardcover)

For a century Mars has been the object of more interest, more studies than any of the other planets in our solar system. The reasons are clear: it is the most Earth-like of the other planets, it's the only one where we can get good images from the surface rather than clouds, and from Lowell's announcement of the canals of Mars it has been the subject of speculation both serious and fictional, the pictures released by the various probes, and finally President Gush's announcement on 14 January 2004, "We will build new ships to cary man forwart into the universe ... human missions to Mars and to worlds beyond!"

This splendid book, is written for the popular reader, and covers everything from Lowell's work to the latest pictures from the rovers and then projects on the future planned missions and those that remain yet as dreams.

This is a delightful book for anyone interested in the skys.

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Mars is the Real Deal. Super Book, November 25, 2009

By 

Thomas Erickson (Lutz Fl and Felt Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Real Mars (Hardcover)

As an amateur astronomer of over 40 years and a member of the Mars Society I have a huge interest in Mars especially future colonization. I have read many Mars books and The Real Mars is a winner.

Michael Hanlon has created a fantastic book. Its a large book, and very well written. Magnificent photos and illustrations. Goes into the historical exploration of Mars and much more. Topics include Percival Lowell and his mistaken canals. Rovers Spirit and and Opportunity,Europe's Mars Express, Mariner 9 and Viking and much much more. Too many topics to list all here. Even has pictures and discussion of fictional Mars...War of the Worlds and others. The climate of mars is discussed. I could go on and on.

What impressed me so much was the breath of information discussed. So many topics of Mars and excellent illustration. This is an excellent book to add to your library. No difficult math. This is not a young kids book but many beautiful pictures parents can show to their children and parts can easily be read to children. Anyone interested in Astronomy or Planetary Exploration will like this book. I highly recommend this book.