Martian Science at the Movies

The Martian Didn’t Win, But…

It was disappointing that The Martian didn’t win any statuettes at the Oscars this year, but not surprised. Other than the total homage that Hollywood gave “Gravity” a few years ago, it’s tough for a movie with a science theme to garner a lot of mainstream support. I was rather amused that The Martian did get a “Best Comedy” nod from the Golden Globes — I suppose it was kind of funny in spots, but still, that was a rather surprising way to characterize the film.

Still, it did please me to see that the action-adventure movie about a guy who gets left on Mars and has to survive on potatoes for a few years did garner some positive attention from the Academy, even if it didn’t eventually win. Science is a big part of our technological society. Our lives depend on the output of science in many ways. So, having a positive nod was a good thing.

It’ll Be Hard Out There for a Mars Astronaut

The one thing the movie did with great beauty was show us how challenging the Mars environment will be for the humans who get there in a few years (or decades). Depending on which mission scenario you favor, we could see humans heading to Mars fairly soon (if the Mars One folks get their wish) or by the late 2020s (a more conservative approach). We have a good idea of what they’ll face, but the reality is going to be far different from the loads of data that are streaming back from spacecraft and landers on Mars.  And that reality won’t just include limited food supplies in case of emergencies.

For one thing, machines won’t have to face that. People will, and people aren’t  machines. People come with built-in frailties that machines never face. We also have psychological kinks that will have to be taken into account before and during the missions. And, if we’re going to explore Mars (and other worlds) we have to come to terms with the act of living (and dying) there. And, eventually, having kids there — kids who will no longer be Earthlings, but will be Martians.

Not only do we have to worry about our minds and bodies on Mars, but there are steps that humanity needs to take just to get ready for Mars missions. I’ve always said that the first step to learning to live on Mars is to go to the Moon and practice there.  Do it where rescue is only a few days away. Not months, or years.  Also, that learning curve will include families, with kids born on (in) the Moon. A first generation of the space-born, if you will.

If movies like The Martian can give a good idea of what it might be like for the generations of space explorers to come, then maybe it doesn’t matter if they win awards or not. The point is, they get made and if they don’t screw the pooch on the science (too badly), then they’re a look into humanity’s future in the solar system. It’s all good!

If you haven’t seen the movie  or read Andy Weir’s book that it’s based on, I recommend it highly!  You never know when you (someone in your family) might find it so inspirational that it leads to a career on Mars.

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