What are the chances?

     Why Earth? An astounding statement. So if not by God, you are telling me that the Earth is just a coincidence? Just happened that it formed in the perfect place in the Solar System; with the perfect balance of oxygen and nitrogen to support 2 separate life forms? It's too perfect to just be a coincidence. There is obviously Intelligent Design here. I tend to think of myself as one who relies on logic... We have been to Mars; well at least we have sent rovers and satellites to study the planet. I'm thinking a planet sized Sahara desert. Beyond microscopic, there is no life here; and as I can tell the chance of microscopic life on Mars is slim to nil. Our other neighbor Venus is about as hospitable as the inside of a volcano. So why Earth? In our solar system one planet of 8 is hospitable enough to sustain life (as we know it) and not accounting for the asteroid belt or the Kuiper Belt. Would it be safe to say, in astrological terms there is not much "wiggle room" for a planet with life bearing properties? (class M in the old Star Trek series) Add to this Earth is the only planet in the solar system to have 1 moon. As the moon is responsible for the tide could you imagine what more than one moon would do; or no moon at all?

NASA Mars rover prepares for upcoming winter

NASA Mars rover prepares for upcoming winter

Good to see the old mission is still in the mainstream of news,
Sorry, to tired to write what's already been written, copy/paste for once

Just thinking Logically

Almost worth being called a moon. This is Phobos; the larger of Mars' 2 moons. I'm partial to the theory that this is an errant asteroid caught by the gravity of Mars. Doomed from day 1; this moon has a decaying orbit and will "crash and burn" in say 50 million or so years. A moon? wouldn't this classify as "Space Debris?"

The Twins

Mars has 2 moons, both look like errant asteroids caught in orbit around the planet. Phobos and Deimos. Phobos, the larger of the 2 is seen here in this animation using several shots taken by the Mars Express Orbiter. While I could look up and include all the details and techy stuff about these moons, I left that to an already printed page. (see the link if you are that interested). I have read this is to date the closest, highest resolution pics of this moon. One thing many don't know is the names are actually related to Mars. Mars being the god of war in Roman mythology, had 2 attachments to do his 'dirty work'; meet Phobos and Deimos, the twins; translated Panic and Terror. 

more buggy news

I'm starting to get the idea that if there ever was life here it vanished and left no clues. seems like there could be or should be life here. I mean what is the sense of having a nearly Earth sized planet and no inhabitants? Unless it is mans destiny too, well sounding too star wars like now. 
Mars Rover Opportunity took this shot of where it is next headed .In case you were wondering.

I wonder what might be under that big rock down there...
This could be the question in someones mind over there at NASA. 
The question on my mind is how come they can't make automobliles more like a Mars Rover? I mean they have been there a few years, no problems and no maintenence. Well the Spirit needs a new tire, well I  guess that gives us enough of a reason to go there. Picture this, a Goodyear sponsered space mission to Mars. Damn, where do I get these great ideas? Think I'll make it a point to stop by the Firestone store and let them know what their friends over at Goodyear are planning. 
Brings me to another topic, personally I don't care what sporting or concert venue you sponser. I am not going to switch banks because of it, but then I might be more apt to purchase your products and /or wares if you sponser a NASA mission. Just some food for thought.

Spirit

Remember the Mars Rovers? A nice little shot of Spirit as it ventures along, gathering information, answering some questions, and creating new ones.

More Rover stuff

Opportunity takes a look at a rock, a meteorite maybe, what ever it is , it is on Mars.

Were no man has been, well almost (Phoenix)

I thought the Spirit Mars Rover was stuck in some soft soil, apparently either they were able to find some solid ground or it doesn't really matter. This is a shot of the mound informally known as 'Von Braun'. The rover is on its way there for the usual investigative work it was sent to Mars for.

Now here's some cheese for thought; How long is a Sol in Earth time? and wouldn't time be different on Mars, as minutes and seconds are based on the size of the Earth, its rotation and speed? On Earth a day is 24.25 hours. A Sol in Earth measures is 24 hours 39 minutes 35.244 seconds. Time itself would be universal, but the units would be different based on the planet you are on. Thinking about that brings to light, how would you measure a Lunar day? And say you were born on Mars; the year is longer since it takes longer to orbit the Sun, so your life expectancy on Mars would be a smaller number but not any shorter than it is on Earth. If interplanetary/galactic exploration is to continue would it be wise to have a "non-Earth based time measure?
I do suggest reading this for more information, but as it is Wikopedia leave room for false information. It is a very interesting read.