Life on Mars: What To Know Before We Go

Weintraub (astronomy, Vanderbilt Univ.) considers the search for life on Mars. Given the increasing possibility for interplanetary travel, Weintraub frames the search by posing the question of whether it would it be right to interfere with it. He then details the history of the search beginning with ancient astronomers and sf and follows through to the ongoing Mars rover missions. In between these points are a fascinating collections of wild guesses, deep rivalries, scientific advances, lies, exaggerations, and errors both small and egregious. Weintraub's prose is not particularly artistic, nor is reader Chris Sorensen adding much with his serviceable voice, but the fascinating story is worth the time. Further, where Weintraub does shine is in explaining the required science so that a layperson can understand the nuanced arguments. He is also able to bring home the oddness of the supposed discoveries by careful discussion of each as though it were accurate until he notes the subsequent retractions, humiliations, and careers that were forever changed.