by Tim Stenger

It seems that, over the history of space and planet exploration—whether by visits or by probes—the endeavor to land and live on planets outside our own is, at best, a sketchy idea to believe will happen soon. I’m a skeptic of the hypothesis that we are destined to colonize Mars, given the current understanding of science. Based on the knowledge we have so far, Mars appears to be a nearly dead planet in terms of supporting human life. The conditions on Mars are harsh and inhospitable, with an atmosphere that is over 95% carbon dioxide, constant dust storms, and extremely cold temperatures. Even the concept of going to Mars often seems like nothing more than planning a visit to a distant and barren location, akin to a trip to the Grand Canyon, rather than a step toward establishing a permanent human presence.

However, the potential for valuable resources on Mars presents a different narrative that merits consideration. I propose that if, in fact, the planet were to reveal resources that hold more value for humanity than even the endeavor of establishing life itself, those resources could fundamentally alter our approach to Mars. Imagine a scenario where probes discover that Mars is enriched with the purest gold—Au, the element occupying position 79 on the periodic table. If such a discovery were made, the implications would be monumental. The prospect of securing this mineral would likely ignite a race not only among nations but also private enterprises eager to capitalize on this newfound wealth.

This gold rush mentality would reflect the aspirations and motivations that have driven human exploration throughout history, much like the early Western explorers who ventured into the unknown territories of the Americas. Their quests were fueled by a blend of discovery, curiosity, and the tangible rewards that came with finding resources. Exploration, in essence, has always been a dual pursuit: a yearning for knowledge and an inherent desire to acquire wealth.

The notion of exploring Mars and the broader universe aligns closely with humanity’s fundamental drive to understand its surroundings. As we have seen in various epochs, the thirst for knowledge often leads to the uncovering of unexpected treasures, whether natural resources or scientific understanding. We must consider that the quest for knowledge and the pursuit of wealth are tightly intertwined, driving us forward into the unknown.

Consequently, while skepticism regarding our ability to colonize Mars is valid, the allure of its resources—if they exist—might indeed incite a new era of exploration and competition. It raises profound questions about our priorities, ethics, and the methods we are willing to employ in our quest for survival and prosperity. In this light, the exploration of Mars transcends mere interest in colonization; it may become a pivotal chapter in humanity’s larger narrative of exploration, discovery, and ambition within the cosmos.

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