Why have novels and short stories about Mars been popular for over a hundred years?
Q: Why have novels and short stories about Mars been popular for over a hundred years?
A: One reason for the popularity of novels and short stories about Mars is that the planet's dramatic red color is visible by some people. Also, Mars is close to Earth and looks somewhat like Earth.
Q: What is the backstory of the idea of intelligent beings on Mars?
A: Near the end of the 19th century, the astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli reported seeing what he thought might be water channels on Mars. Because the Italian for channels is canali, English translations tended to render the word as "canals", implying artificial construction. This led to the idea of intelligent beings on Mars before it apparently dried up.
Q: What are the topics of the works of fiction dealing with Mars?
A: The works of fiction dealing with Mars deal with the planet itself, and any assumed Martian civilization is part of its planetary landscape.
Q: What made Giovanni Schiaparelli think that there may be water channels on Mars?
A: Giovanni Schiaparelli reported seeing what he thought might be water channels on Mars.
Q: What is the significance of the Martian planet being close to Earth?
A: Mars' proximity to Earth is one reason for the popularity of novels and short stories about Mars.
Q: What is the reason behind the ideas of creatures from Mars on Earth and elsewhere?
A: There are also stories about creatures from Mars on Earth and elsewhere.
Q: What is the implication of the translation of the word "canali" from Italian to English?
A: The translation of the word "canali" from Italian to English as "canals" implied artificial construction and led to the idea of intelligent beings on Mars before it apparently dried up.
