creative writing about mars

15 Writing Prompts about Mars

Humans are likely to set foot on our first alien planet, Mars, in our lifetime – in fact, perhaps before 2030.

We live in astonishing times, and when you stop to consider how fragile life on Earth is, against the backdrop of the inky black cold universe it suddenly looks a whole lot more important to have humans on more than one planet.

And when we really imagine those brave human explorers setting foot on Mars for the first time, and starting to expand their Mars base, then city, it truly is inspiring for many a writers mind.

So today we’ve written a whole selection of mind-bending Mars writing prompts for your enjoyment.

Let’s get into it…

How to use the prompts:

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to inspiring the creative muse, however you activate that part of your mind is up to you. But whether it’s creative writing, or thoughtful reflection and writing our opinions and deepest thoughts on a topic, I hope these help with some immediate writing inspiration!

Why not try picking out a prompt at random, and writing for 30 minutes on the topic.

Or, read the list and pick a specific prompt that gets your mind off and running, and write a short story on the topic.

In addition to inspiring a writing session, these prompts are great for really engaged discussion in a homeschool or classroom environment. You can always follow this up with a set writing exercise.

Let me know how you’ve used the prompts to inspire some wonderful writing!

15 writing prompts about Mars:

• Imagine you are leaving for Mars on Monday, as one of the first settlers. Write about your last weekend on Earth.
• Your starship lands and you get your first look at the surface of another planet, Mars. You make your way into the underground base. Describe all your thoughts and emotions at this moment.
• You have been living on Mars for one year now, with a few hundred other settlers. Suddenly the supply ships from Earth stop coming, and no one is replying to your broadcasts…
• Do you think humans should try and create a city on Mars? Why?
• What would you pack to take on a one way to Mars? Why?
• How would you keep yourself from getting bored on the 9 month trip in the starship as you travel to Mars?
• What do you think the much lower gravity on Mars would feel like? You could jump much higher than on Earth, but what else would be different?
• If you were allowed to take your pet with you to Mars, but it would have to stay in the underground base for the rest of its life, would you take it? Why?
• This was it she thought, this was the first sign of life on Mars…
• It takes up to 22 minutes for communication to travel between Mars and Earth, and then 22 minutes for the reply. Imagine having a conversation with someone important to you on another planet. Describe how it might feel.
• It would be so exciting to help set up the first city on Mars! Write about what the first five things that you would have to setup would be.
• Mars has two moons, which look much smaller in the Martian sky than our own moon does, but are still very bright. Describe what the night sky on Mars might look like.
• Imagine being on Mars, a dry hostile planet, and walking into a huge dome full of rainforest, and made up of plants from Earth.
• The car-sized rover crawls over the surface of Mars, searching… until one day it finds something which changes everything…
• Write a story from the perspective of a life-form on Mars dealing with humans arriving…

Thousands more prompts here for you

Our community of teachers and writers is growing by the day, and we just love hearing from you – obviously what we’re creating for you here is really appreciated. Glad to have you here!

Psst, we have thousands more writing prompts about all manner of different things, so bookmark the site now, and take a look around! I just know you’ll enjoy our star wars writing prompts !

You might also find our story starter generator useful 🙂

Thanks, Matt & Hayley

Beyond the Horizon: Creative Writing About Mars

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Exploring the Uncharted Red Planet: An Introduction to Creative Writing About Mars

Unveiling the mysteries: the fascinating geography of mars, breathing life into the red planet: crafting engaging characters for martian stories, from dust storms to terraforming: imagining the future of mars, infusing authenticity: research tips for writing convincing martian settings, pioneering arts and culture: incorporating extraterrestrial artforms in martian tales, beyond science fiction: the power of emotional storytelling in martian narratives, frequently asked questions, concluding remarks.

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the captivating world of creative writing about Mars! Join us on an exhilarating journey as we embark on an exploration of the uncharted territories of the Red Planet. Imagine the vast plains stretching before you, the majestic crimson landscapes waiting to be discovered. Here, creativity knows no bounds as we unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic planet.

Are you ready to unleash your imagination? Let the ethereal vistas of Mars inspire your prose and poetry as you paint a vivid picture of this awe-inspiring planet. Roaming through valleys that whisper secrets and scaling towering mountains of red dust, there is no shortage of natural wonders to capture your pen. Craft compelling narratives of intrepid explorers setting foot on unexplored Martian soil, or delve into the lives of the future pioneers that call this alien world home.

Mars, often referred to as the “Red Planet,” has captivated the imagination of scientists and space enthusiasts since its discovery. Unveiling the mysteries that lie within its fascinating geography has become a significant mission for researchers. From towering volcanoes to vast canyons, Mars presents a landscape unlike any other in our solar system.

One prominent feature of Mars is Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the entire solar system. Standing at a staggering height of over 13 miles (22 kilometers) and spreading across an area similar to the state of Arizona, Olympus Mons is a true behemoth. Its enormity dwarfs the largest volcanoes on Earth, making it a remarkable formation in the Martian geography. Another remarkable feature is Valles Marineris, an immense canyon system stretching over 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) long and up to 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) deep in some places. To put it into perspective, Valles Marineris would span the entire United States if located on Earth, surpassing the length of the Grand Canyon by a significant margin.

• Mars is home to the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons.
• Valles Marineris, a colossal canyon system, spans over 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) in length and reaches depths of up to 4.3 miles (7 kilometers).

These remarkable geographical features on Mars offer tantalizing clues about the planet’s past. Scientists believe that Olympus Mons was formed by shield volcanism, a process vastly different from the volcanic activity seen on Earth. Valles Marineris, on the other hand, is believed to have been created through a combination of geologic forces, including tectonic activity and erosion. By studying these captivating formations, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the geological processes that shape both Mars and our own planet.

Martian stories have captured the imagination of readers and viewers alike, transporting us to a world that is both exhilarating and mysterious. One crucial element that breathes life into these narratives is the crafting of engaging characters. These characters serve as our guides, allowing us to navigate the vast landscapes and encounter the challenges and wonders that await us on the Red Planet.

When creating characters for Martian stories, there are several key aspects to consider. First and foremost, it is important to establish a strong foundation for each character by outlining their unique backgrounds and motivations. Whether they are intrepid explorers, quirky scientists, or courageous colonists, their individuality should shine through and resonate with the audience. By delving into their past experiences and desires, authors and filmmakers can ensure that these characters feel fully developed and relatable.

• Character Diversity: Just as Earth is a diverse and vibrant planet, so too should the Martian landscape be reflected in its inhabitants. Including characters of different races, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds not only adds depth to the story but also promotes inclusivity and representation.
• Conflict and Growth: Every compelling character undergoes personal growth and faces challenges along the way. These conflicts can take various forms, from physical obstacles on Mars to internal struggles with fear or doubt. By allowing characters to overcome adversity and evolve throughout the story, their journeys become all the more captivating.
• Emotional Connection: For a character to truly resonate with the audience, they must evoke emotions. Whether it’s through their humor, vulnerability, or triumphs, a well-crafted character can ignite empathy and forge a lasting connection with readers or viewers.

By thoughtfully crafting the characters that inhabit the Martian world, storytellers have the power to transport us into uncharted territories, sparking our curiosity and inspiring us to dream of our own interplanetary adventures. So, let your imagination soar, and let these characters be the vessels through which we explore the wonders of the Red Planet.

Mars, our neighboring planet, has long captivated the imagination of scientists and dreamers alike. With its reddish hue and barren landscape, Mars presents a unique challenge and opportunity for humanity. From dust storms to terraforming, let’s take a dive into the exciting possibilities of the future of Mars.

1. Colonization: The idea of establishing a human colony on Mars has gained significant traction in recent years. Setting foot on the planet’s surface is no longer just a far-fetched concept but a potential reality. Bold visionaries envision the creation of self-sustaining habitats that would provide a safe and habitable environment for astronauts to live and work. These habitats could be constructed using advanced 3D printing techniques, using local Martian resources such as regolith and ice, which would drastically reduce the cost and effort of transporting materials from Earth. With the development of innovative technologies, like closed-loop life support systems and efficient recycling methods, we might witness the birth of an entirely new civilization on the Red Planet.

2. Terraforming: Imagine a transformed Mars, lush and teeming with life, reminiscent of Earth’s landscapes. Terraforming, the process of modifying a planet’s environment to make it suitable for human habitation, is a fascinating concept that has ignited scientific discourse. Researchers propose various approaches, such as releasing greenhouse gases into the Martian atmosphere to raise its temperature, melting ice caps to create liquid water, and introducing genetically engineered plants to kick-start the production of oxygen. Though this grand transformation would take centuries to achieve, the goal of making Mars a second home for humanity tantalizes the human spirit and shows our penchant for pushing the boundaries of what we deem possible.

Creating a convincing Martian setting in your writing requires a blend of imagination and well-researched facts. To breathe life into your fictional world, follow these research tips:

• Study Mars: Familiarize yourself with the Red Planet’s characteristics, such as its climate, geography, and atmosphere. Understand the influence of its thin atmosphere on temperature variations and solar radiation. Knowing these details will help you depict realistic landscapes and weather patterns.
• NASA Missions: Delve into the archives of NASA and keep up with ongoing missions to Mars. This will provide you with the latest discoveries, technological advancements, and insights into Martian exploration. Stay informed about rover findings, such as rock types, potential signs of ancient life, or the feasibility of colonization in different regions.
• Geological Composition: Dive into research on the Martian crust, analyzing mineral compositions and studying geological processes like volcanic activity and impact crater formations. Understanding the geological history will allow you to narrate events that shaped the Martian surface.
• Utilize Earth Analogues: Explore extreme environments on Earth, such as deserts, glaciers, and high-altitude areas, to grasp how life adapts to challenging conditions. By extrapolating Earth’s extreme scenarios, you can speculate on how Martian organisms might survive or interact with their environment.

Fulfilling your goal of creating an authentic Martian setting demands careful attention to detail. Remember, small nuances can make a significant difference in capturing the imagination of your readers. Incorporate these research tips to infuse your writing with realism, transporting your audience to the captivating world of Mars.

When it comes to exploring the realms of outer space, our imagination knows no bounds. While we may still be decades away from stepping foot on the Martian soil, the imaginative minds of artists and storytellers have already transported us to the Red Planet through their vivid tales. However, as we delve deeper into the possibilities of extraterrestrial life , a fascinating concept emerges – incorporating Martian artforms into these narratives.

Imagine a world where we can tap into the native artistic expressions of a distant planet, unlocking a new dimension of storytelling. Extraterrestrial artforms, with their unique textures, forms, and colors, could infuse Martian tales with an undeniable sense of authenticity. Be it incorporating abstract Martian paintings, sculptural creations made from indigenous Martian materials, or even incorporating the intricate patterns often found on the Martian surface, the opportunities for creators are both thrilling and endless.

Emotional storytelling has the remarkable ability to transport us to unexplored realms, to make us feel deeply and connect with characters in ways that transcend the boundaries of science fiction. In Martian narratives, the power of emotions becomes even more extraordinary as it breaches the gap between the immense loneliness and resilience of astronauts and the uncharted mysteries of the Red Planet.

These narratives push the boundaries of our imagination, inviting us to empathize with the gripping challenges faced by individuals navigating the uncharted expanses of Mars. The emotional undercurrents in these stories not only breathe life into the characters but also serve as a conduit through which we explore the depths of human strength, vulnerability, and the indomitable spirit to conquer the unknown. Boldly journeying beyond the realms of science fiction, Martian narratives unearth the extraordinary power of emotional storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

Q: What is “Beyond the Horizon: Creative Writing About Mars” all about? A: “Beyond the Horizon: Creative Writing About Mars” is an article that explores the exciting realm of creative writing centered around Mars, the red planet. It sheds light on the limitless possibilities for imaginative storytelling while providing a platform for writers to express their ideas and narratives set on this intriguing celestial body.

Q: Why is Mars such a popular subject for creative writing? A: Mars has captivated human imagination for centuries, from ancient civilizations to modern space enthusiasts. Its unique characteristics, such as its reddish hue, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the mysteries awaiting us there, make it an irresistible playground for creative minds. Additionally, the ongoing efforts by space agencies to explore Mars have sparked renewed interest, resulting in a surge of creative writing dedicated to this fascinating planet.

Q: In what ways can creative writing expand our understanding of Mars? A: Creative writing offers us the chance to stretch the boundaries of our knowledge and explore countless hypothetical scenarios. Through detailed descriptions, vibrant characters, and engaging storylines, creative writing can transport readers to the Martian landscape, helping them visualize how human life could evolve and adapt in that environment. It allows us to explore ethical dilemmas, social structures, and technological advancements that may come into play in our future endeavors on Mars.

Q: How can aspiring writers get involved in creative writing about Mars? A: Aspiring writers can immerse themselves in the realm of creative writing about Mars in various ways. They can start by reading existing works of fiction set on Mars to gain inspiration and insight into different writing styles. Participating in writing workshops or joining online communities focused on science fiction and space exploration can provide an invaluable platform for feedback and collaboration. Ultimately, it’s about honing one’s skills, staying informed about Mars developments, and having the confidence to let their imagination take flight.

Q: What challenges might arise when writing about Mars? A: Writing about Mars poses a few unique challenges for authors. Firstly, capturing the intricacies of a foreign environment while keeping it relatable and engaging for readers can be a balancing act. Additionally, striking a balance between scientific accuracy and creative license is crucial to maintain credibility. Lastly, writers should be cautious of falling into clichés and stereotypes when depicting Martian life and culture, as they can hinder originality and creativity.

Q: Are there any notable examples of creative writing about Mars? A: Absolutely! Over the years, several notable works of fiction have delved into the wonders of Mars. Classics like Ray Bradbury’s “The Martian Chronicles” and Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Mars Trilogy” have become go-to references for Martian-themed storytelling. More recently, Andy Weir’s “The Martian” and Pierce Brown’s “Red Rising” series have gained popularity, showcasing the spectrum of creative writing styles that revolve around Mars.

Q: Besides fiction, how else can creative writing about Mars contribute to our understanding of the planet? A: Creative writing is not limited to fiction alone. Writers can explore non-fiction genres such as essay writing or journalistic pieces to discuss Martian-related topics like its geological features, potential for colonization, or the impact on human society. These forms of creative writing bridge the gap between science and imagination, enabling readers to explore Mars through a unique lens that combines both factual information and speculative storytelling.

Q: What are the potential benefits of engaging in creative writing about Mars? A: Engaging in creative writing about Mars offers numerous benefits. It allows writers to exercise their imagination while enhancing their storytelling abilities. By exploring the Martian landscape and its potential for human exploration, it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Moreover, it empowers writers to contribute to the broader conversation regarding Mars, fostering public interest and awareness about the possibilities that lie beyond Earth.

Q: What makes “Beyond the Horizon: Creative Writing About Mars” a must-read for space enthusiasts and writers? A: “Beyond the Horizon: Creative Writing About Mars” presents an exceptional opportunity for both space enthusiasts and writers to delve into a world that ignites their curiosity. It not only showcases the power of storytelling but also opens up a realm of possibilities for anyone captivated by Mars. By combining scientific knowledge with creative expression, the article offers a comprehensive and inspiring look at how we can expand our understanding and appreciation of the red planet.

In conclusion, creative writing about Mars offers a unique platform for our imagination to explore and envision a future beyond our own horizon.

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24 Writing Prompts About Mars

Ever feel like getting your creative juices flowing is as hard as planning a trip to Mars?

Yeah, us too.

Especially when Mars is where your story’s headed.

These writing prompts about the Red Planet are basically your rocket ship, blasting you off to uncharted territories in your brain.

Get ready to explore dusty landscapes, crack alien codes, and write stories that are as mind-blowing as the Red Planet itself.

Let’s go.

Writing Prompts About Mars

• A New Hope : The First Settlers on Mars : The first settlers on Mars have just arrived. Write a detailed account of their first day, the challenges they face, and the initial reactions to the red planet. How do they adapt their Earth -bred habits to the harsh reality of Mars? Focus on their emotions , observations, and the technicalities of living on Mars.
• Last Transmission: A Mars Rover’s Tale : The Mars rover has been our eyes and ears on the red planet for decades. Write a narrative from the point of view of the Mars rover as it sends its last transmission back to Earth. Consider the rover’s scientific achievements, the loneliness of its existence, and the anthropomorphic qualities we’ve given it.
• Eco-Revolution: Terraforming Mars : Imagine that the terraforming of Mars has begun. You’re a scientist working on this monumental task. Describe in detail the process and technology used, the timeline, the potential obstacles, and the expected outcomes. Focus on the interplay between technology, science, and environmental ethics.
• A Martian Epic: Olympus Mons Adventure : You’re an astronaut preparing for an expedition to Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano in our solar system. Write a gripping narrative of your journey to the peak. Describe the rigorous training, the hardships encountered, and the breathtaking view from the top.
• The Martian Utopia : Designing the Perfect Mars City : The colonization of Mars is in full swing and you’ve been tasked with designing a city on Mars. Detail your vision for the ideal Martian city, its unique features, the materials and technologies used, and the lifestyle of the people. Focus on the intersection of sustainability, human psychology, and futurist urban planning.
• Mars vs. Earth: The Great Debate : You’re a delegate at the UN debating whether Earth’s resources should be focused on solving problems at home or establishing a permanent human presence on Mars. Write a persuasive speech defending your position. Highlight the ethical, economic, and social implications of your argument .
• Lost and Found : Discovering Life on Mars : Write a suspenseful narrative about a scientist who discovers signs of microbial life in the Martian soil. Explore the scientific methods, the doubts and hopes, and the far-reaching implications of such a discovery.
• Diary of a Martian Child : Imagine being born on Mars and growing up knowing Earth only from stories and images. Write a series of diary entries from a Martian child’s perspective, documenting their life, dreams , and unique experiences. Focus on the child’s understanding of their identity and place in the universe .
• Life in the Shadows: Martian Cave Exploration : Set in a future where scientists have discovered vast cave systems beneath the Martian surface. Write a thrilling account of an expedition into these caverns. Highlight the risks involved, the stunning geological discoveries, and the potential these caves have for supporting life.
• A Walk in Martian Shoes: Living with Limited Resources : You’re a member of a small colony on Mars, and an unexpected problem has caused your resource allocation to become extremely limited. Write a narrative about life with minimal supplies until the next delivery from Earth. Focus on the community ’s resilience, creativity in dealing with scarcity, and the emotional impact of the situation.
• Ancient Mars: The Story of a Lost Ocean : As a geologist on Mars, you’ve discovered evidence of an ancient ocean that once covered the Martian plains. Write about your detective-like journey to unearth the history of this long-gone body of water . Emphasize the scientific methods used, the findings, and their implications for Mars’s past and future.
• Unseen Heroes : Mission Control on Earth : While astronauts get all the glory, the team on Earth plays an equally crucial role . Write from the perspective of a mission control officer coordinating a dangerous Mars mission. Highlight the tension, teamwork, and critical decisions made thousands of miles away from the astronauts.
• Martian Olympics: Creating New Sports in Low Gravity : In the first Martian city, you’ve been asked to organize a sports event that takes advantage of the lower Martian gravity. Write about inventing and implementing these new sports, and the reactions of the Martian citizens. Explore the physical changes in familiar games and the cultural impact of this Mars-specific event.
• Politics Beyond Earth: Governing Mars : With a growing population on Mars, the need for a formal governing system has arisen. Write a proposal for a new form of government, tailored to the unique societal and environmental conditions of Mars. Focus on the principles, structure, and functioning of this new Martian political system.
• Dinner on Mars: Culinary Innovations : As a chef tasked with creating nutritious and palatable meals on Mars, you have a unique challenge given the constraints of space and resource availability. Write a story about your innovative culinary journey on Mars. Explore the technological advancements, cultural aspects, and nutritional considerations of cooking on another planet.
• The Next Great Migration: Leaving Earth for Mars : The Earth is becoming increasingly uninhabitable and mass migration to Mars is the only option left. Write a poignant account of a family preparing to leave their Earthly home for a life on Mars. Emphasize the emotional journey, the logistics of such a massive operation, and the hopes and fears tied to this new beginning.
• Preserving the Past: Martian Archeology : You’re part of a team of archaeologists on Mars, investigating old landing sites and human-made artifacts from early explorations. Describe the process of uncovering, cataloging, and preserving these remnants. Focus on the historical significance, technical aspects of the job, and the reflections it provokes about human legacy on Mars.
• Into the Red: Mars and Mental Health : Living on Mars presents unique mental health challenges. Write a narrative about a psychologist developing new therapy methods to help Mars settlers deal with isolation , limited resources, and the alien environment. Explore the psychological impact of space living and the innovations in mental health practice.
• Voices from the Red Planet: Martian Journalism : You’re a journalist stationed on Mars, responsible for reporting back to Earth. Write a series of news articles detailing day-to-day life, scientific discoveries, and ongoing challenges. Highlight the importance of honest and engaging journalism in connecting two vastly different worlds.
• Martian Art : Creativity on the Red Planet : Mars’s unique landscapes inspire a new form of artistic expression. Write about an artist’s journey to create a Martian art movement, reflecting the realities and dreams of Mars settlers. Explore the interplay of the unusual environment, limited materials, and human creativity.
• Mars EDU: Education in a Martian Colony : As Mars’s first teacher , you’re shaping an education system that prepares children for life on a different planet. Write about your curriculum, teaching methods, and the challenges and rewards of teaching on Mars. Emphasize the intersection of standard Earth education, Martian-specific knowledge, and the practical skills needed for survival .
• Justice on Mars: Establishing a Legal System : With the growing population, Mars requires its own legal system. Write about the process of creating a fair legal system on Mars, including laws, enforcement, and how it addresses the unique circumstances of Martian life. Focus on the complexities of jurisprudence in a colony far from Earth.
• Bioengineering for Mars: Modifying Life for a New World : As a bioengineer, you’re tasked with modifying Earth plants to survive on Mars. Write about the trials and tribulations of your work, the ethical considerations, and the joy of witnessing the first sprout on Martian soil. Highlight the scientific challenges and the transformative potential of your work.
• Surviving Solitude: Mars’s First Hermit : Tired of communal living, a Martian settler decides to live alone in the vast Martian wilderness. Write about their experiences, the challenges they face, and the profound solitude of being the only human for hundreds of miles. Focus on the psychological journey, the survival tactics, and the beauty and harshness of the Martian environment.

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25+ Space Writing Prompts

Looking for some cool space writing prompts to inspire you? Space is a mysterious, and highly imaginative topic to write about. It gives you the room to explore your imagination and learn some interesting facts about the solar system and more. Whether you want to write a factual story about life on Mars, or a fictional tale of alien empires, these 25 space-themed writing prompts are here to inspire!

Love Outerspace? Check out this cool planet name generator and our special sci-fi book title generator . And for more space-themed prompts, see this post on over 110 sci-fi writing prompts .

From creative writing space-themed ideas to thought-provoking solar system writing prompts for all ages:

• You just discovered a new planet. Imagine you are an astronaut, and you just crash-landed on a secret planet in the solar system. Describe this planet in great detail. Think about the climate, atmosphere, appearance, the sky and so on.
• Write a series of journal entries about travelling to Mars. You and your family have been selected to live on Mars for a few months, as a trial run for the government. Write a series of journal entries as you travel to Mars in a rocket. Think about the food you’re eating. How do you keep yourself entertained in the spaceship? And even how you go to the bathroom, or have a shower in a rocket. 
• Write a short story about discovering a broken spaceship. You wake up in the morning to find pieces of a broken spaceship scattered across your backyard. What happens next in this story?
• Describe a new alien race. Start by drawing a picture of this new alien race that could live somewhere out there in the galaxy. Then describe this alien in great detail. And don’t forget to give this new alien race a name. 
• You are the captain of a space pirate ship. You travel the galaxy, causing chaos wherever you go. Write about your latest adventure in space. 
• Write a futuristic detective story set in space. In the year 3,006, you are a detective trying to solve the case of the missing space children from years ago.
• Interview an astronaut about his recent trip to the moon. Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be a real interview, just an imaginary one! Think about the questions you would ask this astronaut, and how they would reply. Try to think of at least 10 questions and answers for this imaginary interview. 
• Write a fairytale about an astronaut who falls in love with an alien princess. Start your fairytale with the line, “Once upon a time…”. Read our guide on how to write fairy tales for further help.
• Write the origin story of how Uranus was discovered. On 13th March 1781, Sir William Herschel first discovered Uranus using his trusty telescope. Turn this discovery into an exciting story of how a hard-working astronomer discovered the planet, known as the “ice-giant”.
• It’s the year 3,021 and humans have built cities all over the solar system. In just a few hours you can travel to any planet in the solar system and beyond. Write a short story about being the ruler of any planet of your choice, set in the future. 
• Write a heart-warming story about a boy who discovers a Meteorite. The discovery of this meteorite changes his life completely. But how exactly?
• Write a funny story about a group of space chimps. A group of space chimps set out to break the record for staying in space the longest. What happens next?
• Can humans live on Mars? The government has given you the task of seeing if humans can live on Mars. You assemble a team of scientists and astronauts to test this theory. Continue this story.
• For years you have been collecting the remains of meteorites on Earth. Your entire shed is filled with meteorites collected from various places on Earth. One day, a strange-looking scientist from NASA knocks at your door, asking to hand over the entire collection. Continue this story.
• Write a short story titled, “Paranoid About The Stars.”. One idea for this story could be about a boy who uses his telescope every single night. He believes the stars are trying to tell him something. Is this true or is he just being paranoid?
• Write eight haiku poems about the eight major planets in the solar system. These planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
• Humans need to leave Earth, as it slowly crumbles away. But only a select few can leave Earth to live on the new habitable planet. Who qualifies as part of this selection? Are there any challenges they have to win? Continue this story.
• NASA has selected a group of civilians to live on Mars. You have been given a checklist of basic things to do on Mars, along with a training manual. Continue this story. Think about how you will live on Mars, and what things you will need to do in order to survive.
• A trip to the moon goes terribly wrong. Continue this story. Think about all the things that could go wrong while travelling to the moon.
• Create a travel brochure for Mars. Remember to highlight all the key tourist attractions, places to stay and eat while on Mars.
• A group of space aliens have been travelling the galaxy for years. They have been documenting life on each planet they have visited. And now they have finally landed on Earth. Write a quick guide to life on Earth. Remember to cover the basic things, such as sleeping, eating, going to school and travelling.
• Would you rather rule life on Uranus (The coldest planet) or Venus (The hottest planet)? Explain your choice. 
• You crash land on a strange planet and are captured by aliens. For years you work as a slave for these aliens, until one day…Continue this story.
• You are the chairman of the Planet Peace Committee. The role of the committee is to ensure peace and cooperation between all the planets in the solar system. Make a list of rules you would set to ensure peace between planets.
• After Earth is destroyed, humans travel to live on a new planet. You are the lead pilot on a spaceship that is carrying 10,000 human passengers across space. Suddenly a fight breaks out in the ship setting you off course. Continue this story.
• It’s been 16 years since you left Earth. Finally, as a grown-up, you return to Earth to discover…Continue this story.

Need more inspiration for your outer space story? See our post on science writing prompts .

Check out this cool space-themed video prompt (Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more cool prompts like this one):

Did you find this list of space writing prompts useful? Let us know in the comment below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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45+ ‘Mars’ Writing Prompts

Space Exploration

Write about the possibilities of establishing a human colony on Mars in light of current space exploration endeavors.

Space Spectacle

Imagine you have been selected to join the next Mars mission. Narrate your preparation, journey, and landing.

Mission to Mars

Imagine being an astronaut on the first manned mission to Mars. What would be your role and why?

A Day in Space

Imagine you are an astronaut about to embark on a journey to Mars.

Space Explorer’s Log

Imagine being the first human to land on Mars. Keep a journal entry detailing your first day on the red…

Mission on Mars

Describe being part of a team of astronauts tasked with setting up the first human colony on Mars.

My Trip to Mars

Imagine you are the first kid astronaut to travel to Mars. Write about your journey.

Journey To Mars

Imagine you are one of the first kids going to live on Mars. What would your journey look like?

Interstellar Exploration: Ethical Dilemma

Give your opinion on the ethics of colonizing other planets.

Spacecraft Chronicles

Imagine being the first human on a long-term, interplanetary mission.

Space Colony Sanguivore

Consider a world where a vampire is part of the first colony on Mars, and how this affects the colony’s…

Love in a Martian Colony

Write about a love story that blooms on the red planet on Valentine’s Day.

Galactic Travel Prep

Imagine you are preparing for a trip to Mars – what would you pack in your suitcase?

Create a how-to guide for building a spaceship and traveling to Mars.

If Sports Were Different

Imagine what sports would look like in a world with different gravity.

Journey to Mars

Imagine being selected for the first manned mission to Mars. Write about your experiences and emotions.

Astro-Adventures

You’re the first kid astronaut being sent to Mars. Write a journal entry about your journey to and experience on…

Christmas on Mars

The first colony on Mars is celebrating their first Christmas. Describe their struggles and how they commemorate the day.

Solar System Sojourn

Imagine you’re traveling through our solar system, visiting each planet. Write about your journey and what you see.

Mission Mars

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Message from Mars

You’ve discovered a hidden message from Mars. What does it say and how does your character respond to it?

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Write a story about a detective on a newly colonised Mars solving the first-ever murder on the red planet.

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Assume you are a part of the first team selected to colonize Mars. Write a diary entry detailing a day…

Cookies from Mars

Imagine a scenario where humans can bake cookies using Martian dust. What would these cookies taste like and what strange…

The Red Planet’s Rebellion

The Mars colonists revolt against Earth’s rule, demanding independence. Narrate from the perspective of a rebel leader.

Terraforming Trials

You are a scientist developing the first methods for terraforming Mars. Detail the struggles and successes of your attempts.

The Alone Astronaut

An astronaut was sent to establish the first Mars colony but loses connection with Earth. Write the chronicles of his…

Martian Utopia

Imagine a future where Earth has successfully colonized Mars and society has been perfected. Write about a day in this…

First Contact on Mars

Write a story where the Mars colonizers suddenly come across intelligent, previously undiscovered Martian life.

Planetary Friendships

Write about the planets as if each one were your friend and had unique personalities.

Martian Microbes

A group of astronauts returning from Mars unwittingly bring back harmful microbes. However, these microbes are found to cure certain…

Twig of Imagination

Design a writing prompt based on your most imaginative childhood fantasy.

Magical Friend from Mars

Write your own imaginary story about a mysterious friend from Mars who visits you in your dreams.

Love on Mars

Imagine your life as one of the first colonizers on Mars. Write a love story that blossoms amidst the red…

Whisked Away to the Future

Create a drawing of what you envision the future world to look like and write about what a day in…

Interplanetary Vacation

Imagine what a family vacation might be like in a time when interplanetary travel is commonplace.

Dystopian Dreamland

Earth has become uninhabitable and the remaining human population must move to a terraformed Mars.

Space Explorer

Imagine you are the first teenager sent on a mission to Mars. What would your journey and arrival be like?

Meet A Martian

Imagine you’re the first human to meet an alien from Mars. What does the alien look like and how does…

Write about a specific mission in space exploration and its significance.

The Space Beyond

Write a report about an aspect of space exploration that fascinates you.

Space-Camp Letter

Pretend you’re a first-grader attending a science-oriented space camp on Mars. Write a letter home, detailing your exciting experiences and…

Year 2050: Return from Mars

A team of astronauts return from an exploratory mission to Mars to find the Earth post-apocalyptic.

Dream Vacation Home… On Mars

Create a description and storyline around your dream vacation home, but here’s the catch—it’s located on Mars.

Mars Habitat

Sketch a vibrant portrait of a colonized Mars and the adventures of its first settlers.

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Mars science fiction writing is a 'Red Mirror' to today's world

ASU English course subject of published paper in Science & Education

The Earthmen came by the handful, then the hundreds, then the millions. They swept aside the majestic, dying Martian civilization to build their homes, shopping malls, and cities. Mars began as a place of boundless hopes and dreams, a planet to replace an Earth sinking into waste and war. It became a canvas for mankind’s follies and darkest desires. Ultimately, the Earthmen who came to conquer the red-gold planet awoke to discover themselves conquered by Mars. Lulled by its ancient enchantments, the Earthmen learned, at terrible cost, to overcome their own humanity.

— "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury

Science fiction works about Mars are imaginary journeys into a fantastical word.

They’re also a mirror held up to today’s world — a "Red Mirror."

That’s the name of the upper-level online course at Arizona State University alternately taught by Joe Lockard and Peter Goggin , both associate professors in ASU’s Department of English. The course — which invites students to “beam in from wherever you are” — is the subject of a recent paper published by the professors in the journal Science & Education.

“A very substantial literature has accumulated that employs Mars as a discursive center for issues that have preoccupied American culture,” the paper states. “A Mars literature course can undertake to historicize and trace the imaginative development of a trope that reflects the changing nature of the USA. … Taking as its starting point H.G. Wells’ 'War of the Worlds,' our Mars literature course demonstrates how this planetary trope crossed the Atlantic, entered and merged with the American milieu, and now both emblematizes and questions notions of progress.”

Lockard and Goggin use primarily six works — "War of the Worlds," "Princess of Mars," "The Martian Chronicles," "The Martian Time-Slip," "Moving Mars" and "Red Mars" — to discuss issues like colonialism, imperialism, anti-fascism, gender conflict, race and authoritarianism.

“We titled the course Red Mirror because it was our understanding that Mars serves as a mirror of Earth and earthly society,” Lockard said. “Mars has been a way of examining problems on Earth by constructing societies via fiction.”

The course, which has been taught since 2013, resonates with students, Goggin said, because the novels used in the class confront both historic and current world problems.

For example, Kim Stanley Robinson’s "Red Mars" trilogy, according to one review, “fundamentally questions the apparent dichotomy between the sciences and culture, the merely human body and a world of technological possibility.”

Sound familiar?

“It wasn’t a science fiction course,” Goggin said. “We (ASU) already had courses on science fiction. This is kind of like, ‘Hey, this is actually happening. This is happening in real time.’

“So it’s both an interrogation, but then also in some cases, celebration of misogyny and racism and colonialism, and things have not changed significantly in terms of some attitudes. So that really was also useful for our students’ learning in terms of critical analysis or critical thinking.”

We titled the course Red Mirror because it was our understanding that Mars serves as a mirror of Earth and earthly society. — Associate Professor Joe Lockard

Lockard and Goggin believe using fictional pieces of work emboldens students to speak up about sensitive issues.

“When they read Ray Bradbury, there’s this great story where all the Black people decide to leave and go to Mars,” Lockard said. “The N-word is used by the racist whites, and it gives students a chance to dig into that in ways perhaps they may not have felt comfortable doing if it was an actual novel about race. In some ways, it allows for a perhaps less risky reflection.”

Said Goggin: “I think there’s a nice synchronicity there that the students begin to appreciate as they start making those kinds of connections, seeing the critical issues that the literature begins to illustrate for them as they think about actual real-world events.”

Although they’re using works of fiction to teach their class, Goggin and Lockard have discovered one thing: They better have their facts straight.

“Sometimes you get students who know more about science fiction than you do,” Goggin said. “It’s kind of like a comic-con type of thing. You gotta be on the ball.”

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'Life on Mars': Q&A with Pulitzer-Winning Poet Tracy K. Smith

For thousands of years, people have craned their necks skyward, seeking meaning or a sense of perspective in the vast panoply of stars above us.

Tracy K. Smith's 2011 poetry collection, "Life on Mars" (Graywolf Press), follows in this grand tradition. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry last month, with the award committee praising it as "a collection of bold, skillful poems, taking readers into the universe and moving them to an authentic mix of joy and pain."

SPACE.com recently caught up with Smith, who teaches creative writing at Princeton University. In an email interview, Smith discussed "Life on Mars," how the book honors her late father and how the Pulitzer will change her life.

SPACE.com: Your father was an engineer who worked on the Hubble Space Telescope . Is this book a tribute to him?

Smith: It is. The second section of the book is an elegy sequence for him, and there is a poem in section one, "My God, It's Full of Stars," where he makes appearances as a young man. But the book wasn't conceived that way; at first, I was simply interested in thinking about space as a kind of metaphor through which to consider some of the facts and problems of life here on Earth. [ Spectacular Hubble Photos ]

When my father died, those years when he was working on the Hubble came back to me, and it seemed fitting to imagine him as having somehow merged with the large mystery that the universe represents.

SPACE.com: Do you derive a sense of pride, or solace, from the fact that Hubble's still going strong after 22 years in space? And what goes through your mind when you see one of its beautiful pictures ?

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I love thinking that my father has touched some part of that machine. Since publishing this book, I've heard from other children of Hubble engineers, and they express a similar kind of pride in knowing that a parent played a role in bringing these truly astounding images to the world. 

When I see those images, though, my mind zooms past my own private investment in them. First of all, they're so beautiful. They look like paintings. And yet they confirm that we are a part of something vast and eternal and unknowable. That kind of view of the literal "big picture" is both humbling and deeply affirming.

SPACE.com: In some of these poems, the narrator seems to seek perspective, or relief, by gazing at the heavens. Can space — its vastness and mysteries — help ground us here on Earth ?

I think humans have always felt watched back by whatever is out there flickering in the distance. What excites me is what the imagination creates not simply in explanation of what is there, but also to explain or justify the feeling of awe and attachment that the heavens inspire. 

Sometimes those answers set beautiful things into motion: compassion, hope, a desire to create something that will last. Of course, the book is also concerned with the dark aspects of being human, the inverse of that large wonder.

SPACE.com: The book also seems to suggest that accepting the mysteries that surround us can sometimes be a better course of action than always striving for answers. Did you intend to make that point?

Well, I don't think I'm prescribing any course of action for others, but I personally believe that sometimes the questions can be more productve than the answers they might lead to. A question is a pursuit, an invitation to envision and explore a series of possibilities, to struggle and empathize and doubt and believe. The question moves, whereas our sense of what an answer is can often be static, a stopping point.

SPACE.com: What do you hope readers of the book take away from it?

I hope it triggers questions. And I hope that the poems give readers the opportunity to think about private and public events in different ways, even just briefly.

SPACE.com: Do you think there is life on Mars , or anywhere else beyond Earth?

For reasons that have little concern with the plausibility of it, and with no real need to have my suspicions confirmed, I do. I don't know how anyone can see the Hubble "Deep Field" image and not feel like something else is going about its business out there.

SPACE.com: Finally, congratulations on the Pulitzer. How does it feel, and how do you think it will change your life?

Thank you. I'm deeply grateful for the recognition, and for the affirmation that the poems have resonated with some readers. I'm sure it will change my life, but I haven't really speculated about how. I'm happy just to take it in slowly.

You can follow SPACE.com senior writer Mike Wall on Twitter: @michaeldwall . Follow SPACE.com for the latest in space science and exploration news on Twitter @Spacedotcom  and on Facebook .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with  Space.com  and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.

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Poetry Center

Write Your Way to Mars

During this time of quarantine, I’m thankful for the many online collections that allow us to imaginatively visit museums, zoos, aquariums, and even other planets from home. The University of Arizona HiRISE  (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera makes it possible to see incredibly detailed images of the surface of Mars, and through the writing prompts below, we invite you to imagine yourself in those strange yet oddly familiar landscapes.   

HiRISE is a camera onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, designed and built under the direction of the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. The camera’s telescopic lens allows it to take photographs at higher resolutions than any previous mission, permitting scientists to distinguish features as small as one meter across. HiRISE sees Mars in a different part of the visible light spectrum than would the human eye; many of the images presented here are “false color,” or not the colors that you would see if you were looking that these landscapes directly.  

We hope you will enjoy this small sampling of images from HiRISE, and that you will write a poem starting from the questions and prompts below. Or, dive into the full library of HiRISE images for inspiration by visiting  www.uahirise.org . Images from HiRISE are within the public domain.

The Color Wonderland of Mawrth Vallis

1.    Imagine yourself standing in this landscape. Write five lines that begin with the words “I see.”  

2.    What would it be like to be in this landscape alone?  

Curiosity Rover at Pahrump Hills

3.    What does this photograph make you think about the planet Earth?  

4.    Imagine yourself hovering above this landscape. Make a list of what you notice.   

An Inverted Crater

5.    Choose a word from the photograph’s caption that is completely unfamiliar to you. Write a poem using this word as the title.  

6.    What would it be like to be in this landscape with 100 other people?  

Frosty Alcoves on Kaiser Crater Dunes

7.    Imagine a moment from your childhood reset in this landscape. What happens?  

8.    What does this photograph make you think about your neighborhood?  

Layered Yardangs

 9.    Choose a word from the photograph’s caption that you particularly like. Write a poem using this word as the title.  

10.  What would it be like to be in this landscape if you were a scientific instrument?   

Drag Folds in the North Polar Layered Deposits

11.  Imagine yourself standing in this landscape with your eyes closed. Write five lines that begin   with the words “I hear.”  

12.  What does this photograph make you think about the future?  

  These writing prompts were originally presented alongside  The Poetry of Spaceflight  exhibit in Fall 2016.

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The ‘write stuff’ for Mars: Curiosity Base

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Monday 21 January 2013

Life on mars.

• Imagine your spaceship is failing and you are plummeting towards Mars.
• You're now on Mars, describe what it looks like.
• You find an object, what is it?

The Re(a)d Planet: 10 Short Stories about Mars

A.J. O'Connell

A.J. O’Connell is the author of two published novellas: Beware the Hawk and The Eagle & The Arrow. All she’s ever wanted to do in life is read and write books, and so, is constantly writing at least one novel. She holds an MFA in creative fiction, but despite the best efforts of her teachers at Fairfield University's low-residency program, remains a huge dork for sci-fi, fantasy and comic books. She is a journalist and has taught journalism to college students. She blogs about feminism, the writing life, and whatever else comes into her head at www.ajoconnell.com . Blog: A.J. O'Connell Twitter: @ann_oconnell

View All posts by A.J. O'Connell

Mars is super-close to Earth this week ; the closest it’s been in 10 years. On May 30, it will be about 46.8 million miles away from Earth, which means that all this week, you can go outside and get a pretty good look at it with the naked eye until June 3.

There are hundreds of science fiction novels about Mars: Heinlein, Asimov, Bova, Bradbury, C.S. Lewis, Butler, Burroughs, Robinson, Clarke, Lao, Bear and, most recently, Weir have written novels about it. There are enough books about the Red Planet to stock an entire library.

You know what else there’s a lot of? Short fiction about Mars.

To celebrate this year’s close approach*, here are some short works written by authors who’ve stared up at that red dot in our sky and speculated about who might be on Mars, looking back at us, the blue dot in theirs.

Bajo un Cielo Ajeno by Bernardo Fernández (BEF): I’m including this one with a caveat: This is a piece for Spanish-speakers, since it hasn’t been translated yet. The hero is Juan Brigada, a Oaxaca native, who is part of a work program on Mars. The work allows him to support his family on Earth, but by going to Mars he’s sacrificed his right to come home. This story is available in BEF’s anthology, Escenarios Para el Fin Del Mundo .

Falling Onto Mars  by Geoffrey Landis: When the governments of the world abolished the death penalty, they all clapped themselves on the back and congratulated themselves. But there was still crime, and so Earth decided to send its convicts to Mars. This story is short enough to read on your lunch break (if you can eat lunch while reading the subject material) and gives a short history of the transportation and liberation of Mars.

Mars is No Place for Children by Mary A. Turzillo: Kapera Smythe is a six-year-old on Mars. She’s got leukemia and when she finds out that her parents are planning to have her treated on a station in Earth orbit (which means she’d never see her father again) she makes other plans: to run away. This story, which won the Nebula in 2000 is available in the The Nebula Awards Showcase 2001 collection.

High Weir  by Samuel R. Delany: An expedition finally finds what it’s been looking for: evidence of a past civilization. The linguist on the mission is at loose ends, though, because there’s no record of written language. But, the team finds that there is, in fact a record that’s been left behind. It’s just not what they expected.

I Walked the Planet Mars   by Scott Key: This is a story so short that you can read it on your lunch break. Hell, you can read it on a smoke break. It’s so short that I’m afraid to summarize it and give too much away, but here goes: a young man from MIT finds himself suddenly on Mars, John Carter-style. I love the way the story is influenced by Burroughs, and the way it subverts Burroughs.

The Janitor on Mars by Martin Amis : One day, in 2049, a robotic janitor on Mars contacts Earth. He invites a delegation from Earth to come meet him on Mars and tells them about the rise and fall of the Martian race and about Earth’s inevitable end. Meanwhile, in an orphanage, a young boy has been raped and the janitor there takes it upon himself to find the perpetrator. This story is available in Amis’s collection Heavy Water , but if you have a New Yorker subscription, you can find it there, too.

*(Reading this later? Do not despair. You can catch the next close approach on July 31, 2018.)

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What can be said among the lost on Mars that alters one's mood?

Mars has had around a dozen outposts in that time. What interesting thing can change the mood of a group of lost travelers on Mars?

It can be said in general or with a few lines of story build up.

Example Hey guys, imagine yourself making it through this and being lost in your hometown without a Google Map.

• creative-writing

• 4 I feel like this either needs additional context to make sense, or you're looking for something clever to be said (which would be asking what to write). I THINK you're looking for a funny or inspirational speech about the situation, which would require context AND be asking what to write. Please clarify. –  DWKraus Commented Sep 24, 2022 at 16:01
• Yeh funny one line @DWKraus thanks for printing this out, I minimized the context to get close abstract answers tide to survival. –  Osm Commented Sep 24, 2022 at 16:44
• Voted to close because this question is "asking what to write" without context, character, theme, or intent. The questions/answers here need to be useful to the larger writing community, not just a prompt to generate pithy jokes for you.... I suggest focusing on character dynamics : who says this, and what does it reveal about that character , not 'Ho-humm, time for another interchangeable cast member to say a generic Joss Whedon anachronistic (instantly-dated) cultural-reference for the audience." –  wetcircuit Commented Sep 26, 2022 at 13:08
• Hi @wetcircuit Yes, I agree, once Himanshu-Jain answered and got votes, I didn't want to delete what you suggested. Delete it and update it later, or let it be closed and ask to reopen it. I fear being hammered with downvots. Thank you for your input. –  Osm Commented Sep 26, 2022 at 13:20

No words can be interesting in a grave situation like then, where people are lost on Mars and not even sure if they would ever be able to find their way back home again and even uncertain about their survival - except for something which can give them a ray of hope, show some light at the end of the tunnel. Not sure about your storyline, but you will have to think on these lines to lift up their moods.

The details about if those outposts can communicate with themselves or earth are also missing. Maybe something where one of the outposts could find a way to repair their communication equipment, and it's possible that soon they could be able to contact earth.

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19,898 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

mars - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

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Mars, in quiet rocky patience, welcomes the feet of our lander.

The red planet comes into view, an auburn haze that ignites our sense of discovery.

After our time on Mars, I believe each of us has learned how deep our love of our mother planet, our Earth, will always be.

Being on Mars was an exploration trip that moulded the entire team. Challenges make a stronger version of you, or at least that was the experience of us astronauts. We suffered a great deal, the loneliness, brutal isolation, the change in foods and loved ones so far away. We missed Earth too, all the little things - the sound of rain, the sight of its drops upon deep brown twigs. We are born of Earth after all. We are sons and daughters of her soil. As great as it was to leave, nothing is better than coming home.

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Veltman Active Member

What would it take to terraform mars.

Discussion in ' Science Fiction ' started by Veltman , Nov 4, 2018 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); I'm planning on writing a novel where large parts of Mars have been terraformed and the climate and surface are hospitable to humans. What sort of technology needs to exist to make this happen? I also need to make it so some parts are still inhospitable.  

Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); You need to deal with the lack of a significant magnetosphere on Mars before you deal with the teraforming. You have to deal with that first, else the negative effects of cosmic and solar radiation on human bodies that evolved on a planet with a very healthy magnetosphere (Earth) cannot be undersold. From Wikipedia: Countering the effects of space weather See also: Health threat from cosmic rays Mars does not have an intrinsic global magnetic field, but the solar wind directly interacts with the atmosphere of Mars, leading to the formation of a magnetosphere from magnetic field tubes . [16] This poses challenges for mitigating solar radiation and retaining an atmosphere. The lack of a significant magnetosphere is thought to be one reason for Mars's thin atmosphere. Solar wind –induced ejection of Martian atmospheric atoms has been detected by Mars-orbiting probes, indicating that the solar wind has stripped the Martian atmosphere over time. While Venus has a dense atmosphere, it has only traces of water vapor (20 ppm) as it lacks a large, dipole induced, magnetic field. [16] [17] [18] Earth's ozone layer provides additional protection. Ultraviolet light is blocked before it can dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen. [19] Restoring the Martian magnetic poles or providing a sufficiently large artificial magnetosphere between the Sun and Mars is considered essential to restoring the Martian atmosphere and flowing liquid water. [18] ​  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); How would it be possible to restore the martian magnetic poles or provide an artificial magnetosphere? Would that be possible by the 2100s?  

Some Guy Manguage Langler Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Perhaps 'lensing' those very same particles into some sort of fusion reactor, that creates an artificial dome-like zone to contain atmosphere. It would actually be a torus instead of a dome, with the lensed stream right into the center. Habitable zones would be limited to that doughnut shape, producing some unique surface structures, and maybe a localized 'northern lights' effect, visible to approaching craft. Some could be different by location or size. Maybe they could generate lightning when solar storms occur?  

Artifacs Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Partial Mars Terraformation is impossible. I mean, you cannot make habitable only a portion of the planet like walking around harvesting your orchad and wearing a sportwear on sunday morning. You need some isolation structure like a City Dome. Look in Google for the Arabian Mars city projected for 2117.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Are we talking about fiction or plauseable construction? Colonizing Mars would be less return on energy in reality. As a way station, however, it would be ideal for the eventual goal - our existence in space itself, with no planetary dependencies. It is the only worthy goal. But for now, the torus would be a field generated 'dome' that kept micro atmosphere in, and UV out. A field of that sort would likely create Ozone at it's limits, anyway. And, a much larger torus would likely form an atmoshperic bubble-spacecraft that one could farm a field in, if it were required anymore. Lensing - it's a fabulous concept for manipulating unseen forces into whatever you want! Fictionally speaking  

big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); as to the will it be possible by 2100 - its impossible to say since discoveries can't be predicted... think could they have predicted the technology we have today in 1918 ? even the 1950s predictions are way off beam Could it plausibly be possible by 2100 - sure why not ?  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Veltman said: ↑ How would it be possible to restore the martian magnetic poles or provide an artificial magnetosphere? Would that be possible by the 2100s? Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); I'm sure its a total coincidence that your really big picture looks vaguely pornographic incidentally isn't the easy solution to solar radiation on the surface to live underground as in heinliens the moon is a harsh mistress (and yeah I know that's on the moon not mars)  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); big soft moose said: ↑ I'm sure its a total coincidence that your really big picture looks vaguely pornographic Click to expand...

Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/goddard/2018/mars-terraforming https://www.universetoday.com/113346/how-do-we-terraform-mars/ https://www.space.com/41318-we-cant-terraform-mars.html You could however turn Mars into all sorts of habitats if you have the tech to strip a planet of it's materials to do so. Options are giant cylinders, ring world, or an engineered exo-planet which can make the whole planet much bigger than it started, since it will be largely hollow. But yeah you need some way of keeping the atmosphere trapped from the solar winds just whisking away all your hard work, and filter out the solar radiation that can kill your inhabitants in a short matter of time. So for a more straight forward way, bring a lot of electron magnates to orbit and make a magnetic field strong enough to do both.  

Azuresun Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Veltman said: ↑ I'm planning on writing a novel where large parts of Mars have been terraformed and the climate and surface are hospitable to humans. What sort of technology needs to exist to make this happen? I also need to make it so some parts are still inhospitable. Click to expand...

Iain Sparrow Banned Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Earth is the last planet humans will live on. From there, it will be space, in craft that never land. We'll collect matter and energy as we travel, like a ramjet. We will evolve before we complete terraforming of anything, and no longer require it. If we leave Earth, we keep going, and n'er return.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Thank you for all the answers so far. @Azuresun could you explain how the terraforming would leave scars and the need for detonating nukes and activating volcanoes?  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Veltman said: ↑ Thank you for all the answers so far. @Azuresun could you explain how the terraforming would leave scars and the need for detonating nukes and activating volcanoes? Click to expand...

newjerseyrunner Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2022

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Iain Sparrow said: ↑ No. Mars is too tiny a planet to support its own magnetosphere. And, the core of Mars just won't allow it. Mars is more like our Moon than a substantial planet. Really, there is very little about Mars that is in the least spectacular. I daresay it's the most overrated planet in the solar system. Click to expand...

John Calligan Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); newjerseyrunner said: ↑ Just a small fact check: size has little to do with the potential of a magnetic field. Ganymede is only slightly larger than our moon and has a very powerful magnetic field. Mostly it’s the core issue. Mainly the problem is that Mars is solid, where Earth is mostly liquid so the solid iron core can spin freely. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); John Calligan said: ↑ I thought that Mars had the same composition as earth, but lost its heat to space in a shorter time than earth on account of its smaller size, which resulted in the loss of its previously robust magnetic field. Click to expand...

Malisky Malkatorean Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); A very optimistic documentary: A way more optimistic than the previous vid opinion (mostly about getting there) And here's about data obtained by some failed experiments and other aspects  

Rzero Reluctant voice of his generation Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Is this piece meant to be nostalgic at all? I do love retro sci-fi. The thing is, if it's not, you may consider relocating. The question these days, and I'm sure this is covered in some of the links and articles mentioned already, is not "how will we colonize Mars?", but rather "why would we?". We know too much about it now for it to make sense. As many experts have noted, the North Pole is more pleasant and easier to survive than Mars or the Moon, but we don't live there. If it's a matter of escaping a trashed environment or dealing with over-population, then building domes, living underground, farming in barren locations would still be infinitely easier here than on Mars for all the reasons mentioned above and more. The attraction to Mars in sci-fi is strong; it always has been, but it's a lot less believable these days than it was in the eras of H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs or Ray Bradbury. Writers have mostly migrated their stories to places like Titan in recent decades. We'll probably find out something ridiculous about that prospect in a generation or two as well, but for now it looks far more viable than Mars, at least. If, on the other hand, you are looking to inject some old-school elements into a modern work, Mars is your guy. However, a little hand waving is practically inevitable at that point, which, as I think about it, might actually strengthen the nostalgic feel, so go nuts!  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); @Malisky , thanks for the videos. I saw the Elink Musk interview and it didn't convinced me very much. Then I saw the optimistic one and I thought: That's it. They've already figure it out. Terraforming Mars is a piece of a cake. Finally, the last one left me thinking: Terraforming Mars is going to be a Hell of a Nightmare. Certainly, IMO, Terraforming Mars requires more evolved technology than we have now. Requires a new entire subject of study: Planetology. A mix between: physics, geology, microbiology, medicine, engineering, computer science, gardening... IDK. It needs people like the Planetologists from Dune or something like that.  

Norfolk nChance Banned

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); This guy Isaac Arthur is worth a real look at. http://www.isaacarthur.net/ Go to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFipeZtQM5CKUjx6grh54g Playlists and you want the Outward-Bound series. It starts with Mars but go through all the videos will give more ideas, I think. I’d advise also adding the subtitles as his speech is sometimes difficult to understand. Other videos outside the series are worth looking at covering terraforming style programs and more. My 2cents… I doubt Mars will be truly be colonized. The idea of terraforming to gain an Earth style environment will be unsustainable due to the lack of any natural magnetic field for atmospheric protection already stated. Using man-made solutions don’t add up either unless on Mars we find something valuable. To date that’s looks unlikely. The lighter gravity will cause huge health problems for a stay of just three years. The two moons of Phobos and Deimos however will probably have outposts. The Moon, will definitely NEED colonizing for its simple strategic location. This will probably take shape in the form of underground structures that will need some form of biosphere environment. It has many of the problems of Mars but it’s simple in a better location… Norfolk.  

Radrook Banned Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); The real obstacle is getting mankind motivated enough to approve or demand such a long-term effort.  

exweedfarmer Banned Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_74b2c82efeb0c3498e9328ce2eb30630'); }); Free your mind! Read Edgar Rice Burroughs Martian series. It's a whole other thing! John Carter for president. Ulysses Paxton for VP.  

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Essay on Life on Mars for Students and Children

500 words essay on life on mars.

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun in our solar system. Also, it is the second smallest planet in our solar system. The possibility of life on mars has aroused the interest of scientists for many years. A major reason for this interest is due to the similarity and proximity of the planet to Earth. Mars certainly gives some indications of the possibility of life.

Possibilities of Life on Mars

In the past, Mars used to look quite similar to Earth. Billions of years ago, there were certainly similarities between Mars and Earth. Furthermore, scientists believe that Mars once had a huge ocean. This ocean, experts believe, covered more of the planet’s surface than Earth’s own oceans do so currently.

Moreover, Mars was much warmer in the past that it is currently. Most noteworthy, warm temperature and water are two major requirements for life to exist. So, there is a high probability that previously there was life on Mars.

Life on Earth can exist in the harshest of circumstances. Furthermore, life exists in the most extreme places on Earth. Moreover, life on Earth is available in the extremely hot and dry deserts. Also, life exists in the extremely cold Antarctica continent. Most noteworthy, this resilience of life gives plenty of hope about life on Mars.

There are some ingredients for life that already exist on Mars. Bio signatures refer to current and past life markers. Furthermore, scientists are scouring the surface for them. Moreover, there has been an emergence of a few promising leads. One notable example is the presence of methane in Mars’s atmosphere. Most noteworthy, scientists have no idea where the methane is coming from. Therefore, a possibility arises that methane presence is due to microbes existing deep below the planet’s surface.

One important point to note is that no scratching of Mars’s surface has taken place. Furthermore, a couple of inches of scratching has taken place until now. Scientists have undertaken analysis of small pinches of soil. There may also have been a failure to detect signs of life due to the use of faulty techniques. Most noteworthy, there may be “refugee life” deep below the planet’s surface.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Challenges to Life on Mars

First of all, almost all plants and animals cannot survive the conditions on the surface of Mars. This is due to the extremely harsh conditions on the surface of Mars.

Another major problem is the gravity of Mars. Most noteworthy, the gravity on Mars is 38% to that of Earth. Furthermore, low gravity can cause health problems like muscle loss and bone demineralization.

The climate of Mars poses another significant problem. The temperature at Mars is much colder than Earth. Most noteworthy, the mean surface temperatures of Mars range between −87 and −5 °C. Also, the coldest temperature on Earth has been −89.2 °C in Antarctica.

Mars suffers from a great scarcity of water. Most noteworthy, water discovered on Mars is less than that on Earth’s driest desert.

Other problems include the high penetration of harmful solar radiation due to the lack of ozone layer. Furthermore, global dust storms are common throughout Mars. Also, the soil of Mars is toxic due to the high concentration of chlorine.

To sum it up, life on Mars is a topic that has generated a lot of curiosity among scientists and experts. Furthermore, establishing life on Mars involves a lot of challenges. However, the hope and ambition for this purpose are well alive and present. Most noteworthy, humanity must make serious efforts for establishing life on Mars.

FAQs on Life on Mars

Q1 State any one possibility of life on Mars?

A1 One possibility of life on Mars is the resilience of life. Most noteworthy, life exists in the most extreme places on Earth.

Q2 State anyone challenge to life on Mars?

A2 One challenge to life on Mars is a great scarcity of water.

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DLTK's Outer Space Activities Mars Themed Printable Writing Prompt Worksheets

Print out the writing prompt activities with small sentence prompts to get your children writing!

Your child may choose to focus their own story on the themes within the planet Mars, or they may let their imagination run wild. Anything is possible with fiction!  I think story spark sentences are a great way to expand your child's vocabulary, and give your child the ability to get creative!

Instructions:

• Complete the story spark sentence inspired by the planet Mars: "I got an email from NASA and decided to move to Mars. The minute I arrived on the dusty, red planet, I..."
• Write one or more paragraphs to go along with that first idea.
• Read the new story out loud!
• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).

Mars Writing Prompt    color    or    B&W Mars Writing Prompt   more lined paper   Printable version of these instructions  

Essay on Mars

Students are often asked to write an essay on Mars in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Mars

Mars: an introduction.

Mars, also known as the Red Planet, is the fourth planet from the sun in our solar system. It gets its nickname from its reddish appearance, caused by iron oxide (rust) on its surface.

Physical Features

Mars has the tallest volcano and the deepest canyon in the solar system. Olympus Mons is the volcano, and Valles Marineris is the canyon. Mars also has polar ice caps made of water and carbon dioxide.

Life on Mars

Scientists have not found life on Mars yet. However, they believe that the planet may have had conditions suitable for life in the past. Now, Mars is too cold and dry for life.

Mars Exploration

Several spacecrafts have been sent to Mars. These missions help scientists learn about the planet’s climate and geology, and search for signs of life. The Mars rovers, like Perseverance, are particularly important in this exploration.

250 Words Essay on Mars

Introduction.

Mars, the fourth planet from the sun in our solar system, has been a subject of fascination for scientists and space enthusiasts for centuries. This celestial body, often referred to as the ‘Red Planet’, has been explored by numerous space missions, providing us with valuable insights.

Geographical Features

Mars exhibits a variety of geographical features that are similar to Earth’s. It hosts the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, and a grand canyon, Valles Marineris, which is nearly five times the depth of Earth’s Grand Canyon. The planet’s reddish appearance is due to iron oxide, or rust, on its surface.

Atmospheric Conditions

Mars’ thin atmosphere, composed primarily of carbon dioxide, provides inadequate protection from solar radiation. This makes the planet’s surface inhospitable to known life forms. The average temperature on Mars is a chilly -80 degrees Fahrenheit, with polar ice caps composed of water and carbon dioxide.

Search for Life

The search for life on Mars has been a primary goal of numerous missions. While no definitive evidence of past or present life has been found, scientists have discovered signs of liquid water and organic molecules, which are the building blocks of life.

Future Exploration

Future missions to Mars aim to answer questions about its geology, climate, and potential for life. The recent Perseverance rover mission by NASA and the planned human missions signify our continuous quest to unravel the mysteries of this intriguing planet.

In conclusion, Mars, with its similarities and differences to Earth, continues to captivate our curiosity, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and technological capabilities in space exploration.

500 Words Essay on Mars

The red planet: an overview.

Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet due to its reddish appearance, is the fourth planet from the Sun in our solar system. Its distinct color is attributed to iron oxide, or rust, on its surface. It is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, possessing surface features both reminiscent of both Earth and the moon.

Geographical Features and Atmosphere

Mars has the highest mountain and the deepest, longest canyon in the solar system. Olympus Mons, the highest mountain, is nearly three times the height of Mount Everest, which is about 5.5 miles high. Valles Marineris, the longest canyon, would stretch from New York City to Los Angeles on Earth. Mars’ atmosphere is composed primarily of carbon dioxide (about 96%), with minor amounts of other gases such as argon and nitrogen. The climate on Mars is much colder than on Earth, with an average temperature around -80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Exploration of Mars

The exploration of Mars has been an important part of the space exploration programs of several countries. The first successful flyby of Mars was by Mariner 4 in 1965. Since then, numerous spacecraft have been sent to explore Mars, including the Viking missions in the 1970s and, more recently, the Mars Rover missions. The primary focus of these missions is to search for evidence of past or present life on Mars.

Potential for Life

Human settlement.

The prospect of human settlement on Mars has been a tantalizing challenge for scientists and engineers. The technical and logistical hurdles are significant, including the need for life support systems, sustainable food production, and protection from solar and cosmic radiation. Despite these challenges, organizations like NASA and SpaceX are actively working towards making human Mars missions a reality in the foreseeable future.

Mars, with its similarities to Earth and its potential for harboring life, continues to captivate our curiosity. The ongoing exploration of this fascinating planet not only expands our understanding of the universe but also propels us towards becoming a multi-planetary species. As we continue to explore Mars, we may not only answer the age-old question of whether we are alone in the universe but also set the stage for our future as space explorers.

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