• Question: If you had the opportunity, would you go to mars? What research would you conduct?

    Asked by Nat to Ed, Kerrianne, Nina, Oli, yoyehudi on 8 Nov 2017.
    • Photo: Yo Yehudi

      Yo Yehudi answered on 8 Nov 2017:

      I think I would! It would depend on a few things, though: would I be coming back? If so, how long would the trip be? If I’m not coming back, can I take my husband?

      I’ve never thought about what research I might do mars! I imagine biologists and geologists would love it to pieces; I mostly just do computer things so it would be almost the same there as here, I guess, just with no Internet (eek).

    • Photo: Oli Wilson

      Oli Wilson answered on 10 Nov 2017:

      My research on Mars would also depend on all the questions Yo asked at the beginning of her answer! I wouldn’t be able to be in charge of the research, but if I did go I’d love to help people who are looking at growing plants on the surface. It’s a bit inspired by what happens in The Martian, but scientists think some varieties of potato could survive Martian conditions, which is amazing! These varieties can cope with rubbish soils, freezing temperatures, and very low levels of important gases, and still survive and grow – and that’s not just useful for if we go out into space, because it can also help people who have to grow crops in unhelpful places on Earth.
      If you want to read a bit about these super-hardcore spuds, have a look at this story https://qz.com/931111/scientists-figured-out-how-to-grow-potatoes-on-mars-thanks-to-the-the-international-potato-center-and-engineers-in-peru/

    • Photo: Kerrianne Harrington

      Kerrianne Harrington answered on 10 Nov 2017:

      I would go (as long as I could come back)! I would be happy to conduct any research. I would probably want to set up some equipment to be stationed there. I’d want to build things and tinker with telescopes.

    • Photo: Ed Bracey

      Ed Bracey answered on 10 Nov 2017:

      It seems if we go, we can’t come back, so it’s not for me, because I’d miss my friends and family too much!
      If I could visit and come back maybe I’d be up for it, though the round trip would take several years.
      I’d much rather go somewhere with intelligent life!
      So seeing as we don’t know anyplace else with life like human beings, I’m happy right here finding out more about us!

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