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Exploring the Solar System pp 223–247Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Venus-Earth-Mars: Comparative Climatology and the Search for Life in the Solar System

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Abstract

Both Venus and Mars have captured the human imagination during the twentieth century as possible abodes of life. Venus had long enchanted humans—all the more so after astronomers realized it was shrouded in a mysterious cloak of clouds permanently hiding the surface from view. It was also the closest planet to Earth, with nearly the same size and surface gravity. These attributes brought myriad speculations about the nature of Venus, its climate, and the possibility of life existing there in some form. Mars also harbored interest as a place where life had existed or might still exist. Seasonal changes on Mars were interpreted as due to the possible spread and retreat of ice caps and lichen-like vegetation.

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Notes

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Launius, R.D. (2013). Venus-Earth-Mars: Comparative Climatology and the Search for Life in the Solar System. In: Launius, R.D. (eds) Exploring the Solar System. Palgrave Studies in the History of Science and Technology. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137273178_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137273178_11

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-349-44514-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-27317-8

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