I have always been fascinated by outer space. When I was a young girl I wanted to be an astronaut. I think at some point in their lives, most kids want to be an astronaut.
When I was a young girl, my father gave me a telescope. My brother-in-law also gifted me a plethora of books about the planets, stars, space exploration and more.
I even went so far as contemplating study Astronomy as a major in college. Sadly, I didn’t go that route because I didn’t think I had what it took as far as math skills were concerned (Math is not my forte).
Even as an adult, I am still fascinated by outer space.
One of my favorite places to visit is the Rose Center for Earth and Space located at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. I also enjoy the Hayden Planetarium which is also located at the Rose Center.
Once I was fortunate enough to be invited to a special event at the Hayden Planetarium hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson – astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, science communicator and Director of the Rose Center.
I can’t fathom living on another planet. I know that if I was given the opportunity I would do what I could to ensure that other residents took better care of that planet then they did Earth. Look at how much we’ve damaged out planet. We’re destroying our planet in so many ways. If I was given the opportunity to live on another planet I would make certain that people did not engage in harmful behaviors to send the other planet down the same path as our precious Earth.
Living on another planet would be an amazing experience – but also a terrifying one. Nothing would be the same. You wouldn’t have the same “creature comforts” as you do here on Earth. There would be no pizza delivery. No malls. No trips to the beach. No amusement parks. No movie theaters. Nothing like that. You would essentially be starting from scratch with the most basic essentials.
Available on Blu-ray TODAY is the National Geographic series Mars. The series originally aired on the National Geographic Channel back in December.
Mars is unlike any show I have ever seen. It’s part scripted drama, part documentary.
Mars was directed by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
Mars takes place decades into our future. The year is 2033 and scientists are preparing to send humans to the “red planet” to colonize it. That idea might seem a bit “far fetched,” but great scientific minds like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Elon Musk and NASA astronauts don’t think the idea of living on Mars is that far off.
Mars follows a crew of courageous international astronauts on its exhilarating maiden voyage to Mars and quest to colonize the fourth planet from the sun. In a unique blend of scripted drama intermixed with documentary sequences and feature-film-caliber visual effects, the series presents what the greatest minds in space exploration are doing to make traveling to Mars a reality, featuring Big Thinkers like Elon Musk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Stephen Petranek. Experience MARS in breathtaking high-definition. The must-own National Geographic sci-fi docudrama is jam packed with two hours of extras, including prequel Before Mars, Living on Mars, Cast & Crew Interviews and more.
I have the opportunity to check out the series.
I’ve watched the first two episodes thus far. I plan on “binge watching” the remaining episodes this coming weekend.
The series is interesting how it combines a scripted drama with a factual information in the form of a documentary-type film.
The series goes back and forth between the fictional story of the first people to land on Mars to colonize it and all the troubles they encounter on their journey with inserts of factual information from some of the world’s greatest minds when it come to space and space exploration. It’s like two films (a dram and a documentary) rolled into one. I honestly would have watched the series if it was divided into two different series (the fictional story and the documentary), but I think combining the two adds to the fictional story. Knowing what would be involved in actually inhabiting Mars makes the fictional story that much more interesting.
So far I haven’t seen any “blow-your-mind” special effects, but, the film makers do a great job of making viewers feel just how overwhelming the task of being one of the few people to inhabit Mars. It’s void of natural life with no trees, water or any signs of anything living. It’s kind of scary. I know I couldn’t do it.
The information provided by the actual scientists is truly fascinating. I know some information about Mars from all those years when I was little and read up on the subject of outer space, but listening to the scientists talk about Mars piqued my interest in outer space and space travel. I feel like a kid again. LOL!
Look for Mars from National Geographic where ever Blu-rays/DVDs are sold.
If YOU were one of the selected individuals to move to Mars to help with colonization, what would be on your packing list? What necessities would you make sure to pack and take with you?
Here is my packing list which includes “must haves” for survival, as well as some comfort and necessities from home.
- (2) Space Helmets (in case one cracks)
- (2) Space Suits (in case one tears)
- At least a (2) year supply of water (ideally I’d like to have more)
- An abundance of long lasting batteries and if possible, rechargeable ones and a way to recharge them.
- A generator to provide me with heat, A/C and electricity (ideally two of them if possible in case one breaks)
- Crop seeds so that I can grow fruits and vegetables.
- Books to read so that I am not bored.
- Music. I would download A LOT of music so that I had plenty of choices to listen to.
- Movies. I would download A LOT of movies to watch.
- Walkie Talkie or some kind of device that would allow me to contact people back on Earth so I can talk to my family and friends, as well as scientists in case I need help or I had questions.
- I’d like a camera or some way to take photos that I can share with the people of Earth so they can see what life is like on the “red planet.”
- Medicine so that I can take care of myself, and others, if they get sick or injured.
- Games and/or Indoor/Outdoor activities. I’d want something that was fun and entertaining to do and something I could enjoy doing with my Mars “neighbors.”
- Photos and mementos of my family, friends and life on Earth.
- Coffee (I need my coffee!).
- Blankets, pillows and other comforts from home.
- Paper, pencils, pens, crayons and paint. I love to draw, write and color. It’s a great way to de-stress and relax. Living on Mars and getting used to life on another planet would not be easy, so I’d need some way to relax.
- Animals. If there was a way to have animals on Mars (dogs, cats, rabbits, cows…) that would be wonderful. I cannot imagine a world without animals.
- And the #1 thing I would love to bring with me is my family. I cannot imagine, nor do I want to, a life without them.
To see what other bloggers would pack on their mission to Mars, check out the hashtag #MARSDay on social media.
If YOU were packaging for life on Mars, what would YOU include on your packing list?
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy and companion book in exchange for my review/participation. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.