We have always read stories and poems about the scary and weird looking creatures from outer space with slimy looking green skin and skinny, spindly legs arriving in round like spaceships landing in faraway fields on dark stormy nights. These aliens were believed to be from Mars and were even baptized; Martians!

Human fascination with space has continued to flourish and has propelled us to look for the home of these aliens. And keeping to human nature, we are going to colonize it, not to visit! Such audacity!  Combined with man’s innate desire to conquer and have dominion over the earth, it was a matter of time before space and the other planets were also taken over by human beings.

Flying to the planet Mars, which was an exciting possibility is near a soon – to be executed plan (in possibly in the 2030s). One hundred people who were carefully selected and will  take the one way trip to Mars, to form a colony there, never to return for fear, amongst other things, of carrying back to earth, strange micro - organisms.    

Although the temperature and sunlight on Mars are similar to those on earth, there are many factors of concern. Other crucial conditions on Mars include: more carbondioixide which is 95% of the atmosphere than oxygen which is lesser at 0.4% and this is mixed with other gases meaning oxygen has to be manufactured somehow. There is no food suitable for humans so this too has to be made there keep in mind that this is tens of millions of miles from earth we are talking about. Because the air on Mars is thinner than the one on earth - except in places where we have managed to pierce holes in to the protective layer thus exposing ourselves to unhealthy rays - consequently ultra violet rays penetrate its atmosphere. The human body would probably be affected; the bones and muscles due to the differences in gravity and other aspects may mal function.

On the other hand, imagine a whole new planet, scientific and technological discoveries that are all possible, should the proposed one way trip and subsequent colonization trip come to fruition! This would an extra ordinary achievement for man!

Based on all the facts about other planets, clearly Earth is the best place for humans to inhabit.  With its perfect weather conditions, balanced gases, nutritious food and just the right distance from the sun, the all-knowing designer of this wonderful earth;  God, is truly an amazing  creator. You and I have been well gifted with this wonderful home, our earth. How we treat it matters and it is actually up to you and me to save our home.

Lois Nakibuuka is an educator and counsellor

lnakibuuka@yahoo.com