Mars has fascinated humans for thousands of years. Even when we knew the planets only as wanderers in the sky, Mars stood out. It was prominent and distinctively, brilliantly red. As the years passed, it became even more familiar. We gazed at its surface through telescopes and found dried riverbeds and deep canyons. We discovered that Mars' year is twice as long as ours is. We also learned that Mars has four seasons and a 24-hour day. With the passing centuries, Mars has become steadily more familiar, yet still we ask, Might life also have arisen on Mars? Is there life on Mars today? If even one microbe is found on Mars, the context for life on Earth will be forever altered: we are not alone.
About the Author: Kevin Nolan is a scientist and science communicator from Ireland. He holds honors B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in physics and astronomy. After several years in the computer industry, Kevin returned to lecture in physics at the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. under Dr. Niall Smith of the Cork Institute of Technology, developing a software based image analysis system for the European Space Agency INTEGRAL space observatory.
Among Kevin's passions is science outreach. Involvement here includes acting as volunteer coordinator to Ireland for The Planetary Society (founder Carl Sagan), popular science writing, public lectures throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, consultancy to Irish TV science programs and occasional TV and Radio appearances.
In 2001, Kevin was invited by Prof. Ian Elliot of Dunsink Observatory to act as secretary to Ireland's contribution to the ESA/ESO/CERN European youth project, 'Life in the Universe'. Ireland's efforts were complimented and supported by Ann Druyan, author, media producer and wife to the late Carl Sagan. In 2002/2003 Kevin was awarded a state grant to present a series of high profile, media-rich lectures to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Voyager space missions (titled Voyager - from Earth to Interstellar Space, Nov 2002) and current Mars exploration (titled Mars - A Cosmic Stepping Stone May 2003), which lead to Kevin proposing and in part developing a full-page color feature on Mars for The Irish Times newspaper and a feature article for Astronomy&Spaces (A&S) magazine.
Subsequent to further well received articles for Astronomy&Space and the Irish Times, Kevin embarked on a new writing project - a monthly column for A&S titled 'Cosmic Perspectives' - examining human contexts associated with space exploration. According to A&S editor and Astronomy Ireland Chairman Dave Moore FRAS, the column was among the most popular of the magazine, often prompting lively feedback and debate from readers. Kevin hopes to bring the concept to a broader audience through newspaper and magazine. Also under development are several other books (aside from the currently available Mars - A Cosmic Stepping Stone) and a science documentary proposal also about the planet Mars, all aimed at connecting the public with matters of scientific relevance.
