Word: solarity
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...years astronomers have scanned the heavens beyond the solar system in search of other planets. If they exist -- and evidence is rapidly accumulating that they do -- the possibility greatly increases that some of the planets may be similar to the earth. U.S. and Canadian astronomers last week reported tantalizing discoveries that strengthened that likelihood...
...with the Soviet Union and other nations the feasibility and practicality of joint space-engineering activities that might pave the way to a joint manned mission to Mars." In a Huntsville, Ala., speech, Vice President George Bush urged a "long-term commitment to manned and unmanned exploration of the solar system. There is much to be done -- further exploration of the moon, a mission to Mars...
Some scientists, Soviet and American alike, have still not abandoned hope of finding life or its remnants deeper in the Martian soil. There life forms might have access to water and be protected from the fierce solar ultraviolet radiation that rains down on the surface, virtually unobstructed by the Martian atmosphere. Sedimentary rocks in the ancient riverbeds would be an ideal place to hunt for fossils of organisms that may have lived when Mars was more benign, with a thicker atmosphere, warmer climate and running water on its surface...
While the U.S. lacks a strong commitment to sending humans to Mars, the Administration's space policy, announced by President Reagan in February, does envision eventual "human exploration of the solar system." Toward that end, NASA has launched Project Pathfinder, a program to develop 18 new space technologies. They include compact nuclear reactors for powering lunar or Martian bases, in-space construction and assembly of spacecraft, and orbiting fuel depots for moon and Mars ships. "You can talk about going to Mars," says Pathfinder Leader Robert Rosen, "but you can't do it without these technologies." Congress appropriated $40 million...
Even more dangerous are solar flares, which usually blossom on the sun around the peak of the eleven-year solar cycle. During these massive explosions, which astronomers can spot in the form of extra-bright splotches suddenly appearing on the sun, bursts of X rays and charged particles are hurled outward at high velocities. Because protons from a large flare can easily penetrate the walls of a spacecraft and fatally riddle the body of an astronaut in half an hour, planners envision an onboard shelter into which the crew could repair as soon as a solar-flare warning was sounded...