Mars
is our neighbour on the other side, and has featured more in Earth mythology
than any other planet. "Martians" is still a term used for imaginary
being from space. Mars gives a reddish appearance, and is criss-crossed
with lines that have been called the "canals" of Mars. Centuries
ago, astronomers speculated these as being constructed canals, either of
a civilization from many years ago, or by the more imaginative of being
part of an existing civilization. Mars can be seen with the unaided
eye, generally opposite the sunset or dawn, when the light is dim and it
can reflect the sun. Expeditions from the USA, USSR, and Japan have
circled or landed on Mars over the past thirty years, and one is presently
on its way.