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Date
Reading
TR 15-18
The solar system* is known to have eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars,
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Mars seems to be an especially interesting planet to
the scientists who study planets. Robert Zubrin* is one of those scientists. There are
two main reasons why he is so interested in Mars.
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One reason is that Zubrin wants to determine if human beings will be able to live on
Mars in the future. Though Mars is now a cold and dry planet, 。it is more similar to Earth
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than any other planet in the solar system. So there is a possibility that Mars is a place
where human beings can live. In what ways are Mars and Earth alike? First, the soil and
atmosphere of Mars is similar to those of Earth. Scientists found that the soil and
10 atmosphere of Mars contains many of the main elements* essential for human life. A Mars
exploration rover* named Curiosity has been working on the surface of Mars to gather
various scientific information about its environment. Second, the rotation* period of Mars
is 24 hours and 39 minutes, which is very close to that of Earth. Third, there are seasons
on Mars as there are on Earth.
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The other reason is that,
studying Mars, Zubrin thinks we can better predict the
future of Earth. It is believed that there used to be a liquid like water on Mars a long time
ago. If we can find out how and why Mars has changed into a (A) and (B) place, we may
be able to better understand the Earth's future. Zubrin says, “We humans have changed
the Earth's environment through our actions and activities. From our research on Mars,
20 we may be able to solve such problems as global warming. Mars may be the key to our
survival on Earth."
Not only Zubrin but also many other scientists are doing research on Mars. Studying
Mars might not seem to be connected with our daily life, but actually it is. New
discoveries can influence our future. We should remember that in that regard* Mars is a
25 very important planet for our future.
(357 words)
Robert Zubrin:ロバート·ズブリン
main element:主要元素(人間の生命維持に必要な元素。窒素, 水素など)
rotation:自転
(注) solar system: 太陽系
exploration rover : 探査車
in that regard:その点で
