MYSTERY OF MARS.

Thames Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 17695, 20 September 1929, Page 8

MYSTERY OF MARS.

WATER AN VEGETATION

EFFORTS TO COMMUNICATE.

The theory that there is life on Mars supported by an astronomical examination of its atmosphere, was placed before a meeting of the Astronomical Section of the Auckland Institute on Thursday evening. Mr. N. Alexander, assistant-lecturer in physics at the Auckland University College, speaking on "The of the Planets," said the illumination which changes in density with the seasons- on the surface of the planet evidently points to the existence of vegetation 'which, on the earth at least, provides conditions for the propagation of animal life.

"We have definite evidence that there is oxygen on Mars, and the presence of . oxygen makes it very probable that there is vegetation also," said Mr. Alexander. The determination of gases on the planets was possible, by the use of the spectroscope, which permitted an examination of the absorption bands in the spectrum. Certain elements and compounds in the earth's atmosphere were known to correspond with certain bands in the spectrum as there were oxygen \and water vapour bands in both spectra it was clear oxygen and water vapour obtained on Mars.

Photographs, moreover, taken through coloured glass, brought out the same sort of detail evident in photographs taken through similarlycoloured glass on the earth, showing the presence of similar atmospheric ingredieints. It was probable, however, that atmospheric conditions were like those obtaining on the earth at high mountain levels.

The canals on Mars provided a controversial subject, but there could be little room for doubt respecting the existence of the polar caps, said Mr. Alexander. In Juue they were expansive, shrinking from August to October until they took the form of a few small white spots. As the planet also showed seasonable changes in its degree of brightness it seemed reasonable to ascribe the phenomena to the spread of the'water as the ice melted, causing the to flourish. Clouds and dust storms had frequently been observed on Mars 3 and also dark patches which were evidently water. The possibility of communicating with Mars by wireless was raised by a member of the audience, who referred to the messages sent out in the

Atlantic by Signor Marconi in an endeavour to speak with the Martians.

"These efforts to communicate with Mars seem to me to be on the same plane with the endeavour of a man to communicate with the natives of Central Africa by wireless," said Mr. Alexander. "The chances are very much against the fact that they may bo listening when we are sending or that they are using a similar wavelength to ours. It is a very remote possibility.' Professor P. W. Burbidge, who presided, referring to ' the pessibility of wireless waves penetrating the nonconductive strata of the • atmosphere, stated to oexist about* the eight-miles limit ) said a short wave could penetrate better than a long wave, and, generally speaking, it should be possible for a very short wave to go through, provided it struck the difficult strata .at a big enough angle. "But I think these efforts are stunts more than anything else," added £he professor.