Is Mars Inhabited.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 3, 19 January 1910, Page 63

Is Mars Inhabited.

EXPERT VIEW OF PROF. LOWELL'S OXYGEN DISCOVERY. The result of Professor Lowell's observations indicating the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars, is regarded in scientific circles as another circumstance in favour of his contention that the planet is inhabited. The following explanation of the telegram was made by an authority at the Solar Physics Observatory, South Kensington: —■ “In the first place," he said, “Professor Lowell proves the presence of water vapour in the atmosphere of Mars by taking a spectrum of Mars and the moon C>n the same night. “In the case of Mars, there are water vapour lines very much intensified, proving that water vapour is in the atmosphere of Mars. . “ What Professor Lowell has now done seems to be this. He has taken another spectrum of Mars, and he finds that all the oxygen lines show distinct absorption, indicating the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars. He has formally proved the presence of water vapour.' Now by independent means he proves the presence of oxygen. He may next prove independently the presence of hydrogen, and this is all confirmatory of the contention that the atmosphere of Mars is consistent with life on the planet as life is known on earth.”