Mars

The next frontier in space exploration is Mars, the red planet-and human habitation of Mars isn't much farther off. In October 2015, NASA declared Mars "an achievable goal;" that same season, Ridley Scott and Matt Damon'sThe Martiandrew crowds into theaters, signaled by its nearly half-billion-dollar gross in the first two months. Now the National Geographic Channel goes years fast-forward with "Mars," a six-part series documenting and dramatizing the next 25 years as humans land on and learn to live on Mars. Following on the visionary success of Buzz Aldrin's Mission to Marsand the visual glory of Marc Kaufman'sMars Up Close, this companion book to the Nat Geo series shows the science behind the mission and the challenges awaiting those brave individuals. The book combines science, technology, photography, art, and story-telling, offering what only National Geographic can create. Clear scientific explanations, gorgeous photography from outer space and the planet itself, and dramatic scenes from the TV series featuring exquisitely constructed sets made to replicate Mars make the Mars experience real and provide amazing visuals to savor and return to again and again.