Mars has drawn our attention for millennia, and it was when we started mapping the planet that we began to see it as a place, and a destination. Early map making led to scientific discoveries—and a few far-fetched theories—which changed how we see the planet today.

Read This Next

An unprecedented mission for 500 baby sharks
Enormous Viking ship holds surprising clues on burial rituals
Can positive thinking prolong your life? Science says yes

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet