Livro infanto-juvenil by Scriptorium design & photo by Kenia de Aguiar Ribeiro

Erc Cydon The Astronaut From Mars & Other Space Topics

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

Maria Bogéa -Thomé I M

Erc Cydon The Astronaut From Mars & Other Space Topics

e R

Brazil, 2005

To the world’s children and to future generations, who hold the dream and deserve to live in more enlightened and peaceful times.

Copyright © by Maria Bogéa-Thomé All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions there-from, in any form. Edited by Kenia de Aguiar Ribeiro www.kenia.art.br | info@kenia.art.br Cover and illustrations by José Abrão Bogéa To contact the author of this book: E-mail: mariabthome@bol.com.br or mariabthome@hotmail.com Address: SQN 105 - bloco “G” - Ap 104 70.734-070 Brasília - Brazil Tel/Fax: 55 + 61 3347-6753 Cell: 55 + 61 8112-7484 Printed in Brazil September, 2005.

Dedication This book is in memory of my beloved son ANDRE LUIS and daughter ADRIANA, who left already this world on their journey back to the stars, whose trajectory on Earth since the day they started experiencing their mission here, was punctuated by so many challenges and beautiful moments of awareness of what their destiny was supposed to accomplish for a much greater achievement of their so pure and darling soul, through their various experiences in search for inﬁnite joy. As spirits out of the ﬂesh, they have found the right place where they really belong – a place beyond our limited frontiers, where they undoubtedly are sharing in its totality, the interconnectedness with the GREAT ONES, within a marvelous new framework of reality…

“Peoples of different worlds are not strangers to one another, but all friends and totally welcome wherever they go.” (Erc-Cydon, from Mars) “Our eventual choice is spaceﬂight or extinction.” (Carl Sagan, 1934-1996) “I do not think the human race will survive the next thousand years, unless we spread into space.” (Stephen Hawking) “It is really quite amazing by what margins competent but conservative scientists and engineers can miss the mark when they start with a preconceived idea, what they are investigating is impossible. When this happens, the most well-informed become blinded by their prejudices and are unable to see what lies ahead of them.” (Sir Arthur C. Clark)

Acnowledgements My gratitude and very special appreciation to all of those who have inspired me to write this book, dedicated to all the children of planet Earth and to everyone else who is deeply connected to space exploration on all levels. Special thanks to astronauts Alexander Lazutkin, Buzz Aldrin, Eileen Collins, Franklin Chang-Diaz, Gene Cernan, Jim Lovell, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, Sergei Krikalev, Walter Cunningham and many other astronauts who have highly contributed for the improvement of space exploration. Thanks also to my darling mother Francisca Bogéa (Lolo), my father Antenor Bogéa (deceased), my beloved son Bruno and niece Ingrid Bogéa.

Contents Part I

Erc -Cydon: The Astronaut From Mars Arrival on Earth ..............................................................................................................13 Beautiful Earth .................................................................................................................17 Mental Telepathy ............................................................................................................21 The Space Journey to Earth ...........................................................................................25 The Great Meeting ..........................................................................................................29 Water on Mars .................................................................................................................32 Mars and Its Climate ......................................................................................................35 Erc-Cydon´s Martian Home ..........................................................................................36 Propulsion Systems.........................................................................................................39 Martian Insects and Animals.........................................................................................42 Martian Children.............................................................................................................43 Martian Flowers ..............................................................................................................49 Part II

Other Space Topics Cydonia, the Face and the Pyramids ...........................................................................55 By the Way, Do You Believe in Ufos? ..........................................................................59 NASA Haughton Mars Project......................................................................................61 Rovers Spirit & Opportunity .........................................................................................62 Space Tourism .................................................................................................................64 Apollo 11 Moon Landing ...............................................................................................68 Apollo 11 Astronauts ......................................................................................................69 First Brazilian Woman to Fly Zero-Gravity ................................................................73 National Space Society (NSS) ........................................................................................75 VASIMR Experiment – Aiming to Mars… and Beyond…!!! ....................................77 Nuclear Thermal Propulsion .........................................................................................79 Part III

Interesting Images

Part I

Erc -Cydon: The Astronaut From Mars

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children, study hard and dream bigâ&#x20AC;? (Erc-Cydon, from Mars)

M 13

Arrival on Earth

“Hello, children of Earth! My name is Erc-Cydon and I just arrived from the planet you call Mars, in my small, brave and marvelous spaceship ERCCYDONIA. She is so special, a real companion for a long trip like ours. We can talk to each other and interact all the time! It is a kind of synchronisity that exists between the two of us. It is as if she were an organic being or “human machine”. I cannot see much difference, anyway. She is very efficient and works very hard. She never gets tired, believe me!” “In reality, this journey to Earth was decided after our scientific team on Mars found out about this favorable “window”, when Mars’ orbit was very close to Earth’s! ( in terms of astronomic math or unit -about 60.000.000 millions km ), making it easier for us to fly to Earth within a period of only 20 days, using our best propulsion resources to fly in a very high speed.” “On our way to Earth, we made a quick stop on its natural satellite, your Moon, which supports your planet in different ways, but also other cosmic bodies, and we visited some friends and colleagues who are living there for some time to perform some experiments, using different lunar resources found on the moon’s soil). Their mission there has variable objectives, but all of them with peaceful purposes.” “During our interplanetary flight to Earth, we also could use certain mental connection, when our cerebral neurons, my own and Erc-Cydonia’s

The Astronaut from Mars

(some minerals, like aluminum and what you call regolith, this last one is

I 14 (in her case, artificial ones) would interact accurately, creating cosmic waves, which mixed together with some cosmic particle energies functioning as our propulsion system, a very revolutionary way of making space vehicles fly through sidereal space…” “I believe that in the not- so- distant future, your scientists and engineers will be very skilled in this kind of space technology, provided that they dedicate a great amount of time to certain scientific experiments involving ‘cosmic’ propulsion systems (what I firmly hope they will!!!). In this way, I think that the quantum physics and other various sources of this quantum Universe that can offer all of us the most diversified and alternative means for everyone perform interplanetary space travel, are the next steppingstone that will bring the most revolutionary and sophisticated space technologies that will allow a great number of civilizations from all over the sidereal space to fly beyond their own imagination…” “To fly through our so magnificent cosmos is something really cool and means a lot to me in terms of learning a bunch of very interesting things on cosmic objects (asteroids, comets, meteors, stars, etc).” “Of course we also focus carefully on the safety rules of the spaceship, which we fulfill in its totality, so that everything can work properly, with no failures during our space travels.” “Anyway, if we sense that any kind of problem could come out during our flights, we immediately access some emergency devices we have on our panel

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

or press an emergency red button on the right side of the panel, immediately connecting to our Mission Control on Mars! Our ﬂight controllers, however, invariably are very capable of detecting anything before we do…” “Now, I will tell you all something very important”.

M 15 “We, young people from Mars are very concerned about the future of Earthling children ! We see that your adults not always act with wisdom and discernment. We Martians do not like to see the adults of your planet fighting and killing one another and causing a lot of sufferings amongst so many families, just for silly and selfish reasons! I bet you all agree with me!” “We all are brothers and sisters, no matter where and who we are!” “Peace and Love, plus tolerance are the key words to bring harmony, understanding and solidarity amongst all peoples and nations! We can no longer live without honoring and respecting each other, whoever we are or dwell in this vast Cosmos!” “Besides that, we all should take into consideration that the Earth’s atmosphere more and more reaches unacceptable levels of polluted elements which, to some extent, cause severe damage to human beings, without mentioning what human race has inflicted to mother nature, to the seas, oceans, forests, trees, the ozone layer and mainly to themselves!” “Heed this! If this condition continues indefinitely, nothing will be left in this beautiful and precious planet Earth, which seems not enough loved and respected by some Earthling people. Of course, there are exceptions, the ones who care about Earth, who love and protect it! Fortunately, my beloved children, you belong to this good team of special humans!” about the right things you are bound to accomplish for the benefit of your own planet, do not wish to see your marvelous habitat destroyed. Do you? Of course NOT! Be always a good example for the people that do not care a bit about their own home planet. Use always your powerful gifts, as the

The Astronaut from Mars

“And I am so sure that you as smart children, with a growing awareness

I 16 wonderful and so smart children you all are. It does not matter your social condition, whether you are poor, rich, black or white. What really counts is your inner and pure essence, and your example for the irresponsible ones who are making your planet suffer and putting you all in danger!” “Step forward and tell people to do the right things, not to be selﬁsh and treat your planet as they would like to be treated. Don’t they enjoy having their clothes clean with no signs of stain or dirt? That’s the way they should treat Earth,

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

as their ‘home sweet home’, keeping it clean, healthy and unpolluted!”

M 17

Beautiful Earth

“Well, I think now I will get ready for a snooze after my interplanetary ﬂight to Earth, inside my intelligent and pretty spaceship Erc-Cydonia.” The Martian was speaking his own thoughts aloud… “And here, from my window, I can see this beautiful Amazon forest. My spaceship is hovering motionlessly above this mysterious region that was selected previously for the accomplishment of my mission during my short stay on Earth”. And he went on: “The lights of Erc-Cydonia probably will be seen by people searching for mysterious ﬂying objects in this very isolated region”. He added. “Erc-Cydonia can emit a scale of different pulsating lights that range from green, blue, yellow and red, to violet and purple colors.” Erc-Cydon, the Martian, also was wondering about certain things concerning the ship’s safety: “I wonder whether anyone could see Erc-Cydonia’s lights while I am lying down on what I call my “cozy couch”, having my rest. Anyway, I am aware there is a clearing next to where we are anchored now, until I start before it gets dark.” “There is a possibility”, the Martian continued speaking his thoughts aloud, “that some animals could catch a glimpse of my spaceship while preparing themselves for their night sleep, which will happen in a few

The Astronaut from Mars

the process of rendering the spaceship invisible, what I intend to do soon,

I 18 hours… but I know I do not have to worry about this. Some of them might get a little bit agitated… a natural reaction, but nothing that could cause any concerns…” “Well, the clearing seems a real safe spot for us to be stationed, at the height we are right now. I could even land there, if that was the case, but I do not think I will need to do that”, he thought. And ﬁnally he started his deserved snooze… but… for how long? However, something “mysterious” was going on down there, below the spaceship. The presence of a group that had just arrived. They were two biology teachers, Matheus and Edward, and their four students, whose ages ranged from 12 to 18 years. All of them were discussing about the research throughout that region they were about to start, departing from the clearing, a spot sometimes used by teachers and their students exploring and studying that Amazonian region. This very group was going to study and observe the lives of some insects and a few small animals, including their genetics, over the period of some weeks, when they would come to that same spot until the end of their respective classes’ mission. However, what they did not expect to ﬁnd there, suddenly materialized… They suddenly saw the small spaceship Erc-Cydonia hovering over their heads, some 30 meters above the ground (around 100 feet high), even

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

though no sounds could be heard from it! The spaceship Erc-Cydonia was more or less the size of a two- passenger small plane, but with enough room to accommodate them comfortably, and was shaped like a pyramid. At the top of it was an off-red glow. The

M 19 main body or structure was bright silver and its shape was best detected by another angle, within a peripheral vision. A dark brown gear could be seen under the spaceship, which had no flags or any specific marks, numbers or words. Nevertheless, it was very beautiful and seemed to be alive! How lucky the group down there was, because the Martian astronaut had not yet increased the frequency of the activated area of the ship, to the point of producing her invisibility what would happen also by activating the longer-wavelength microwaves… In this way, they all could see clearly the spaceship hovering up there, the moment they arrived. That was a quiet spot. You could only hear the soft sound of the wind blowing through the trees. A region, whose name, mysterious place, was owed to its reputation as being very strange and full of mysteries because of the sightings of unidentified flying objects, all over the world known as Ufos, which supposedly had been seen by the natives of a Brazilian tribe that I will call the “Pori-Pogi”, one amongst others of that region, that have received strong support from various dedicated sertanistas who, for many decades, have lived in the jungles trying to protect them from the not always healthy influence of the “white society”. One of these sertanistas, is an outstanding man called Sydney Possuelo, a former president of FUNAI, the Brazilian government agency that deals with the indigenous peoples the preservation of Brazilian Indians’ secular culture, and who has always undertaken several initiatives with the sole imperative to protect the Indians and avoid their extinction! Oh, well, let’s go back to our space visitor…

The Astronaut from Mars

and one of Amazon’s last great wilderness scouts and the leading expert in

I 20 Suddenly, Erc-Cydon, the Martian astronaut, woke up from his short nap and made a decision: to leave the spaceship and look around. And so he did. He started descending the ladder, which strangely could “move down” together with him, as he slowly descended it… not like an escalator does, but making up and down movements as if it had mechanical feet…obviously a characteristic of the design of Martians’ existing advanced technology. Erc-Cydon was a very good-looking young man, his height around 6 feet 5 inches, (6’5”) delicate white skin, light brown hair cut short and big and expressive pretty yellow eyes that emitted a kind of brilliant sparkle whenever he spoke or looked at anyone or anything, as if his eyes had the ability to deeply connect to whatever he turned his attention to… and that was the case. He was wearing a silvery space suit with small colored flashing buttons around his waistline, which were connected to the spaceship’s instruments on board. When Erc-Cydon stepped over one of the last steps, which was about two meters high, he suddenly stopped. Over the far end of the clearing, he noticed the small Earthling team coming closer cautiously and slowly, with their eyes fixed over his monumental figure, in amazement and awe! You, children and adults, are probably wondering whether any kind of radiaton could put in jeopardy the lives of those humans there. No, there was no reasons for them to be harmed by any radiation coming from the spaceship. The electromagnetic field around her was “packed” by

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

some speciﬁc transparent skin which would prevent any kind of radioactive beam to reach, whether humans, animals or trees found over that region.

M 21

Mental Telepathy

Even before the group in thrilled excitement could say anything at that unexpected sight, the Martian stepped forward and using mental telepathy started communicating for the first time with humans from Earth, a brain to brain interaction, an ability Martians mastered and that he would find out could work pretty good with humans from our planet. Then, his first mental words were a salutation that said: “SUL INAT IT NIS OTHEN” (May Peace Prevail In All Universal Frontiers). The message was heard telepathically by everyone in clear Portuguese! (“Possa a Paz Estar em Todas as Fronteiras do Universo”). That’s the way the benevolent and loving outer space beings interact with other peoples when visiting their planets, I was told once. This is a very nice way of demonstrating how much they care about their interplanetary neighbors communicating or interacting in their own language! Oh, well, right after his greetings, Erc-Cydon could feel that these terrestrial inhabitants were nice and friendly. specific part of the Amazon jungle, at least for a while… Totally absorbed by that unique event involving the visitor from another planet, they were stunned and speechless for a moment. Nevertheless, they had a good feeling toward the smiling young man

The Astronaut from Mars

In reality, they immediately “forgot” all about their own mission at that

I 22 standing there, gazing around… and they thought that, whoever he was or the planet he came from, for they were not yet aware of his Martian origin, “ there must have been a good reason for him to have come to Earth now…” They also were thinking about how his spaceship could be up there hovering motionlessly, from a considerable distance from the ground…how could that be? Well, they would ﬁnd out all about that later… On the other hand, Erc-Cydon was realizing how physically alike humans were to Martian people. He was reading their minds at that right moment and again he could feel how nice people they were. Finally, after a few seconds, one of the teachers trying to disguise his excitement and to a certain point, hide a light sentiment of fear about the strange and unusual situation, said with no hesitation: “Hello, young man, my name is Edward, I am a biology teacher and we are here for some research and studies about the lives of certain insects and small animals’ behavior we can ﬁnd at this part of the Amazon jungle. Where are you from?” The ET from Mars turned his attention to the group and answered, again using telepathy: “Hello, Edward and everyone else. It is nice to meet you all! My name is Erc-Cydon! I come from the planet you call Mars, the fourth planet in relation to the Sun within our Solar System!”

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

Everyone was very much agitated, talking to each other, hardly believing about what they were witnessing! But Erc-Cydon, impassible, pressed a little blue button located on the right upper part of his space suit and immediately a transparent white light

M 23 beam started moving towards the group and suddenly everyone calmed down as if Erc-Cydon were an old friend they had been waiting for so long to see again… The next action after that general commotion, was the ﬁrst question to the Martian, which was posed by a 12 year-old-girl called Jane, who seemed very smart. Even before her question, Erc-Cydon came with this: “Hi, Jane, how are you?” “My God”, she said, “ he knows my name! Isn’t this incredible and amazing? Did you get it through telepathy?” She asked. “Oh, yes, my little girl. You are very smart! As a matter of fact, he added I can sense everyone here is what on Mars we dub brain detonators. “They use their brains in a brilliant way for an outstanding accomplishment.” “Congratulations to all of you, smart people living on Earth”, the Martian concluded. One of the teachers, biologist Matheus was the one who spoke next: “Thank you very much”, he said. We came here to teach and learn. We will have to collect a bounty of info we need for our classes. It is always a

The Astronaut from Mars

great experience for us to be here whenever we can.”

I 24

The Space Journey to Earth

Once more, Jane had the permission from her teachers for another question to the Martian. “Can you please tell us why did you came to Earth?” “Of course, Jane. The main reason for us, myself and my spaceship to be here now, has to do with a very special mission. I am a scientist with specialization in different areas, including rocketry and environment. Since my childhood, I have always been involved with experiences not usually performed by very young children. I would build very small plastic rockets and spaceships, even at the age of three! So, this is part of my life history, now that I am 18 years old. And I am moving into the next steps. However, I was selected to perform a special task right here over this beautiful Amazonian region. In short: “ I have to remove a huge radioactive cloud that is over this so precious Amazonian region, as a result of a great amount of atomic waste thrown into the Amazon River some time ago, which is lethal to human beings and that to some extent is already affecting people’s lives all over this part of your country!” All of them, teachers and students reacted to this statement in anger.

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

How could man reach to such a state of insanity? Biologist Matheus was the ﬁrst to express his thoughts: “We did not know anything about this cloud! Sadly enough, we are aware of other dangerous and harmful actions that are causing damage

M 25 to our mother nature and even to humans! But this one is something frightening! Radiation can cause a lot of mortal damage to human beings. This is unconceivable and translates the level of ignorance in which humans still live”. “Yes, my friend, unfortunately you are right”, concluded Erc-Cydon. One of the students, Octavio, an 18 year old boy, expressed his opinion: “Your great support and concerns are something we on Earth should always be grateful for!” But let me ask you something, Erc-Cydon: “How are you going to remove this hazardous cloud? Are you serious? What kind of ‘magic’ will you perform?” “Well, I will not apply any magic here. I will perform a scientiﬁc task, my friend! I will use a method, through which we can take advantage of some devices that have the capability to accurately disintegrate any kind of matter, gas, or whatever be the case, without causing any harm to the nature or to the own atmosphere, or most speciﬁcally to humans!” And he continued, “back to my childhood, I should tell you that most of Martian children just like myself have also very special abilities that accompany them through their lifetime. We start worring about the good health of our nature, in a very early stage of our lives”. All the group remained quiet for a while, imagining how great it had been to have the chance to meet and talk to someone from another planet One of the teachers, biologist Edward, decided to ask Erc-Cydon whether he could come closer to the stairs where the Martian was standing on the last step. Erc-Cydon did not hesitate and asked Edward to come closer and offered his right hand to him, his right palm - a typical Martian gesture -

The Astronaut from Mars

not at all a stranger, so bright and kind.

I 26 touching gently Edward’s right palm, a sign of approval and friendship. This so unusual compliment made the teacher and biologist Edward feel chills all over his body and a sentiment of peace and joy he would never forget. He was feeling blissfully happy! Erc-Cydon could perceive his profound emotion, but said nothing. In reality, the Martian could be dubbed a peacemaker. Anyone could sense it through his great kindness and compassion in his gaze. “I am so grateful and honored, Erc-Cydon”, he said. And now I can tell my friends I shook hands on the Martian way (palm in palm) with a real space traveler from Mars, even though I know for sure they will not believe me!” And all of them burst into a loud and joyful laughter that echoed through the jungle, causing some of its inhabitants- the frightened rabbits and squirrels- to run away in a high speed… Now, it was Luizinho’s turn, a 14- year-old student. “Erc-Cydon, I am sure everyone here is most thrilled and thankful for your interaction with us, and I believe your Martian colleagues must be as efﬁcient and helpful as you are. Do you people on Mars protect and respect your planet?” Erc-Cydon answered promptly, saying: “Certainly, my friend. We always do our best to offer our planet better conditions for everyone to live in balance and feeling happy on all levels imaginable. And millions and millions of other inhabitants from other planets, inside and outside our Solar

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

System, are doing the same!” After that statement, a 16-year-old student, Antonio, expressed his feelings: “This is unbelievable! Did I hear you say that there are other planets inhabited out there?”

M 27 “Why not? Replied the Martian. Why should the Earth have the privilege to be the only one inhabited? You just do not have the faintest idea about how many planets and their civilizations have, for many eons (long, long, long time) experienced great progress, very advanced technologies and a high degree of spirituality!” The group kept silent for several minutes, trying to digest all that was said by Erc-Cydon, this fantastic visitor from the Red Planet. Finally, someone broke the silence. It was, once more, the biology teacher Edward. “This information is completely mind boggling, Erc-Cydon. I never doubted there were other civilizations out there. And now, you are conﬁrming my strong suspicion. This is fantastic, magniﬁcent, my friend!” A general excitement caused the terrestrial group start talking uninterruptedly. Erc-Cydon made an attempt to calm down our so enthusiastic talkative group, in the midst of all this excitement, with another message. Still through a telepathic process, he transmitted the following: “Please, my dear friends, what I have just told here is so natural and the purest reality. I think that all you have to do now is continue with your marvelous and serious studies and take care of your beautiful planet. Just doing your part, joyfully and peacefully is what really counts. The Creator will do the rest and share all the best with you!” general conversation with their students, expressing their thoughts about what the Martian had just stated. They realized it was a rare privilege to listen to this great Being speak… “ Yes, Erc-Cydon, you are right, no doubt about it”, Edward spoke.

The Astronaut from Mars

Both teachers, Edward and Matheus, were engaged for a while into a

I 28 “However”, Edward added, “we firmly believe that every consciousness on Earth will awaken to another reality, eliminating their errors, because they will be aware that they cannot have peace and harmony in disorder and disarray, eternally fighting for selfish reasons with their companions of journey on Earth.” “My friend, I agree with you in every sense”, replied Erc-Cydon. Jane was listening to everything in amazement. And she was the next one to ask a question: “Please, Erc-Cydon, tell us how long will you stay here for”. “Well, probably two weeks, working inside my spaceship and flying sometimes, when necessary”, he replied. “Great! We will love that, because we are thinking in asking you to schedule a meeting with us before you depart to Mars, for some important questions”. Will this be possible?” –asked biologist Edward. “Oh, yes, we can do that before I leave. Let’s see when we can get together again”, said the Martian. And so, they scheduled a date for their new gathering, at this same

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

spot.

M 29

The Great Meeting

Finally, the day of the ‘great meeting’ had arrived. The teachers and their students were getting ready for their questions to the visitor from planet Mars. All the group thought it would be wise when back to the city, keep tightlipped about their new friend, a visitor from the stars… They had come to a decision, not to reveal about Erc-Cydon’s visit to Earth. It would be safer. In the near future, who knows, people from Earth would be prepared to deal with the announcement of visitors from other planets interacting so naturally as humans do, with their spaceships been seen openly, with no fears or aggression from anyone’s part, just like it had happened with Erc-Cydon…and themselves… It was 3:00 p.m., the time for the meeting. Once more the group was very impressed when they saw the spaceship Erc-Cydonia hovering motionlessly up there, this time about 25 meters above the ground, with a violet light flashing under the ship’s structure, what we could call the landing-gear. Even a glow corona could be seen In the meantime, everyone was looking up, anxiously, waiting for ErcCydon to appear at the door and come down to join them. After a few seconds that seemed an eternity for our friends on terra firma (on the ground), finally he showed up!

The Astronaut from Mars

under it, probably the result of some process of ionization…

I 30 The Martian was all in white, wearing the now familiar ski-type pilot’s suit and once more he proved to be a very handsome young man, with his 6 feet 5 inches tall and exhibiting his most attractive athletic physical structure. On his head he had a small round helmet with several colored small stones around it that would light up some times, as if some invisible hand was turning them on and out. No life support systems/devices were seen. Everyone was mesmerized by his presence! And, with a very elegant reverence, bowing down his head towards the small audience, Erc-Cydon started stepping down the ‘intelligent stairs’, which again strangely and graciously was moving step by step with him as he descended it, in a very much interesting synchronous way… When he stepped on the last step, both the ladder and himself, paused at the same time for a few seconds, and then, unexpectedly, as if starting a ritual, solemnly he set his right foot followed by his left one, on the Earth’s ground, for the first time, a gesture that with a certain nostalgia, brought to the teachers, now in their late forties, the memories when, as young boys, they saw the first man from planet Earth, an American astronaut – Neil Armstrong – solemnly set foot on our Moon, on July 20, 1969, followed by his crewmate, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, on that historical Apollo 11 flight, the number one mission of the Apollo Moon landings, that put 12 men on our natural satellite, from 1969 to 1972! Erc-Cydon looked at everyone and gently started to speak:

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

“Good afternoon, everyone!” “Good afternoon”, all of them answered with a profound sentiment of joy! Immediately they realized that the Martian could not only use telepathy with them, but equally TALK like people on Earth do! Erc-Cydon perceived their amazement and added:

M 31 “Yes, telepathy is not my only channel for communication. I also can interact with you by means of words, just like you do. The only reason that instead of speaking to you, I preferred to use telepathy by the time we had our first encounter, was owed to the fact that, in the first place, I had to work on some acoustic details, so that I would not harm or damage your ears! Some adaptations were necessary before my first direct conversation with you. Is everything clear now? “, asked the charming Martian. “Very clear, Erc-Cydon. It was most thoughtful of you to take time to work on these adaptations. Many thanks for that”, replied Edward .

The Astronaut from Mars

“You are so welcome”, said the Martian astronaut.

I 32

Water on Mars

“Hi, Erc-Cydon, I would like to pose our first question.” “Is there a lot of water on Mars as our scientists think this is the case, specially now that the rovers- Spirit and Opportunity- are on Mars sending lots of data about their findings?” “ Hi, Jane. It is good to see you again! Very good question!” “Yes, Jane, we have a lot of water there, specially underground and more specifically in the form of ice and carbon dioxide (your dry ice on Earth…). We, on Mars, are aware of those twin rovers there trying to discover the ‘Mars mysteries’, as your scientists say, mainly with respect to find current signs of water on Mars. And they have been successful, let me tell you this.” “And much more things they can discover there…! However, we cannot interfere in this matter. The future will unveil whatever is slated to be unveiled, provided that Earthings will not cause any damage to our planet. “So, Erc-Cydon, the Martians do not face water problems, what we fear will seriously affect our planet in the future?” “No, Edward. We have very good water generating systems store underground as well as powerful reservoirs and huge artificial lakes,

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

fountains and waterways, both natural and artiﬁcial on Mars”, he added. “What other anomalies might have happened on the Mars surface that caused severe ﬂoods in the planet past?” Asked Octavio, one of the most smart and dedicated students.

M 33

“What an intelligent question, my friend. Thank you. Let me tell you that certain nature phenomena took place millions of years ago on Mars, because of radical weather changes. It was a kind of various geothermic phenomena (this may happen to any planet with plenty of water ice) that melted most of the ice, and possibly some kind of what you name artesian pressures, could have taken place there”. “Mars is also a planet of strong winds and with certain characteristics your scientists call Aeolian effects (various effects caused by the winds), lots of other things, which throughout the centuries have been mixed up with the water, resulting in certain solid products spread all over the Mars’ soil, as rocks and other minerals which have been altered by water through their constant interaction over the thousands and millions of years…”

The Astronaut from Mars

which make up vast dust storms, different features like vast dune ﬁelds, and

I 34 “Our technology”, he continued, “has improved a great deal over the centuries and recycled in different ways, so that we can be able to deal with some events produced by the nature’s actions, by putting in practice the various advanced technologies that we already master, allowing us to move forward progressively on all levels imaginable.” “In reality”, the Martian continues, “liquid water is avaiable today on Mars beneath the planet´s surface, and of course we do have a biosphere”. “However, I say again, we do hope Earthings will not go there some day to put our planet and ourselves in jeopardy. Everyone from everywhere will be very welcome, provided that nothing might be done to cause any damage to the Martians´ lives and to our home planet. As you all are aware now, I came here to help. This is the way things were supposed to be. Solidarity

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

and fraternity, above all, amongst all peoples inhabiting the Universe!”

M 35

Mars and Its Climate

“Now, tell us please, a little bit about the climate on Mars”. Erc-Cydon then answered: “Well, Matheus, we have very defined seasons there. Winter, for example, is extremely cold. Humans from Earth would not survive there, unless they could develop an exceptionally advanced technology to prevent them from dying that would permit them to get warmer and comfortable inside their garments, homes or special greenhouses. That is something your scientists will have to find out, and I guess they are already doing something in this direction, as far as I am concerned…” “During the winter”, he went on, “ by the poles, the temperature may reach to the level of –199F/207 F( below zero), while by the equator, around midday, the temperature goes up to 80 degrees F above zero, very hot, just like in some countries on Earth. The surface temperature average can reach –64 F (below zero). Of course, these projections may vary a little, for more or less. We have other projections that depend on determined “energetic impulses from the sun”, coming from the space, and around us. But this is Erc-Cydon finalized.

The Astronaut from Mars

another story, which I cannot discuss here, for the complexity of the issue”.

I 36

Erc-Cydon’s Martian Home

“Where do you live on Mars?” “Oh, well, that’s an interesting question, Octavio. I live with hundreds of young people who do things that I do. It is a very large underground community, whose main entrance is located inside the structure of a huge pyramid amongst the great numbers we have on Mars, with hundreds and hundreds of houses and laboratories, where we work and develop the most sophisticated experiments.” “We also have several areas for relaxation, when we can exercise and practice all kinds of sports and enjoy our free hours staying with our families and friends, all together, for we do not live isolated within the circle of our family only. We all share our meals and all the things and resources we need in our daily lives, as well choices and preferences in terms of socialization activities. Great moments are those ones, when all of us have a lot of fun in total harmony and joy!”, concluded Erc-Cydon. “This is something that I would like to see someday, if I ever can make a trip to Mars, when I become an astronaut”, thought Luizinho, the youngest student. Once more, Erc-Cydon who was very attentive to everything around

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

reacted with a big smile when hearing Luizinho’s loud thoughts, saying: “Wow, this is very good news! I am happy you want to be an astronaut, Luizinho!” “Now I am aware you heard my ‘thought’, Erc-Cydon. Good for me! I

The Astronaut from Mars

I 38 really will study hard to become an astronaut. More than ever before, I will explore all the realms of math and science through funspace-exploration activities currently going on inside and outside the classrooms, what I think I will enjoy greatly. In this way, I hope to be prepared to be selected to ﬂy to Mars in the next decades, when I trust all the world’s space agencies will be working together- as they are doing now with the project of the International Space Station- to send their astronauts for places into space humans have never been before, including planet Mars!” “Very well, Luizinho. My sincere congratulations! I will be keeping my

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

ﬁngers crossed, so that you will be successful”, said Erc-Cydon.

M 39

Propulsion Systems

Erc-Cydon, what kind of propulsion system do you develop on Mars for interplanetary space travel? “That’s a very interesting question, Luizinho.” “In reality, we have got several different kinds of propulsion systems, including the one that brought us to your world.” “We have electromagnetic propulsion, cosmic propulsion, microwave propulsion, laser propulsion, nuclear and electric propulsion, antimatter propulsion and all kinds of cosmic plasma propulsion, and many others that your scientists have never heard of before. Most of the propulsion systems are related in some way. Their use depends upon where we are going to, in terms of distance and flight duration. There is another very much sophisticated technology we have been developing and improving throughout the centuries, which has to do with the employment of mind control, or mind-power, when we can move the spaceship throughout the sidereal space, establishing an instantaneous conversion from one place to another, also using quanta devices and quanta computers, that serve as an intermediary “bridge” between our quantum cerebral commands and the explain here.” The Martian added. “This spaceship I am flying in, the Erc-Cydonia, is a small one, if compared to the other ones we have for our interplanetary flights”. “We use an advanced thrusting power and speed.”

The Astronaut from Mars

main pulsating light particles of the spaceship”. “This is very complex to

I 40 “We have our mother ships, which are huge carriers that some times we use to teleport the smaller space vehicles, like mine. For example, we flew inside a mother ship from Mars to your Moon! And from there, I piloted the spaceship Erc-Cydonia to get here! Now, this is all I can tell you. No more details, sorry!” One of the students, Antonio, whose father was a plasma physicist, still wished to know a bit more on certain flight propulsion characteristics of the spaceship Erc-Cydonia and he did not hesitate in making his question:” “Please, Erc-Cydon, can you explain a little bit about the mechanism that allows your ship to hover motionless into the air, with only an almost unperceivable humming we never heard before?“ “OK, my boy. You deserve an answer for that“. “As a matter of fact, what causes this particularity is the result of the use of a specific kind of plasma we have the ability to create which permits the spaceship to remain hovering motionlessly at any height. We do have to use some programmed equations on board. This is also done with a coneshaped electrical field, which creates a kind of umbrella which deflects the pull of gravity of the spaceship, in this way, neutralizing its weight! Very frequently this cone-shaped field ionizes the air, when you can see a glow around the ship. In reality, we have already the complete domain over this technology. It will be very difficult to go on with additional information, because you surely would not understand all the details and specifics”,

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

concluded the Martian. “Many thanks, anyway, Erc-Cydon”, said Antonio who, attentively, had been listening with great interest all the Q&A (questions and answers).

The Astronaut from Mars

I 42

Martian Insects and Animals

“Do you have any insects and animals on Mars?” “ Of course we do, Octavio. They are also part of our planetary system, just like your insects and animals on Earth. The only difference is that our insects and animals usually have different characteristics from those you have on Earth. Why?” “Well, because of our planetary structure. They do not act or react as some kinds of animals do in your planet, specially the wild ones. Martian animals, like lions, tigers, for example, do not need to eat other animals to survive, because they are all vegetarians! And we Martians also do not eat animals as you do on Earth!” “And certain diseases you have by insects’ transmission, this is something that does not exist on Mars. Your insects and animals would not survive on Mars. But there is one which probably could be a good survival in every circumstance: the one you call cockroach!” “Every species”, Erc-Cydon went on, “lives in the right environment to fulﬁll what it was supposed to. And this rule is also applied to human

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

beings!”

M 43

Martian Children

“How do children on Mars grow up, I mean, what are their activities before becoming adults?” Octavio again presented his question to the Martian ET: “Children on Mars, Octavio, receive all kinds of orientation and good rules to conduct their lives in a proper way, not only receiving all the necessary support from their parents, but also from the community, family members, friends and educators. They all also offer their valuable services to the children’s mothers unconditionally. There is a very tight interaction amongst all”. “When babies are born they go to a special center, which is an extension of their parents’ home, staying the ﬁrst 3 or 4 months there. A team of 5 or 6 people from the community, of course including their parents, share all the tasks which are considered necessary for the babies’ well being. And they all perform their duties with undeniable dedication and joy!” Jane was attentively listening to everything in awe and she asked with a certain excitement: school?” “Good question, Jane! Thank you. When teachers or educators perform a nice job, doing things that they know will arise the interest of the child, nothing can go wrong. So, in a general sense, our children have always a lot

The Astronaut from Mars

“What happens when a child does not want to study or to go to

I 44 of motivations and good reasons to fulﬁll their duties and to go to school. This is something they do in a very pleasant way”. Now, it was Luizinho’s turn. He wanted to know more information about the Martian children: “What kind of good habits do children on Mars like to cultivate?” “Oh, my boy, our children learn good habits since they start interacting with adults, what usually occurs when they are between 6-7 months of age. Although they are treated with respect and love, they learn how to be independent. It is like a preparatory course they have to experience for the years ahead, in order to get ready for being introduced to the real life beyond their daily lives with their families and educators. In this way, they can continue living within the concept of a healthy and collective perspective where the real meaning of partake is the main focus through their lives.” “Of course they receive all encouragement from mummy and daddy to move forward. Everyone plays a special role in their lives. Their education is everyone’s responsibility within the community, not only their parents’, just because their ﬂesh and blood connection. For us Martians the concept of family is totally different from Earth’s. We think collectively. To be born within a family is just a way of simply coming to experience life and live this life with dignity within a universal sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, with no idea of separatism or exclusion, but sharing this subtle interconnectedness that brings all Beings united, with the sole aim

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

of allowing them to move forward peacefully towards a better life in every sense.” “You all here might be very surprise in knowing that children on Mars are very much independent at the age of 5, when they already have

M 45 discernment and a good degree of responsibility, putting into practice their natural gifts. I could cite here on Earth, your so talented Mozart, who, at the age of ﬁve caused and still causes a general admiration because of his precocious musical talent and intelligence.” “But I should tell you here that our children also enjoy very much playing with their toys, when many of them get together at a huge collective PlayGround to share their toys, which are extremely amusing and educative. Most of the toys are similar to the ones you have on Earth, but we do not have toys imitating guns or weapons. This is no good for any child!” Everyone was strangely quiet, not willing to break the amazement brought by the Martian’s last words. Finally, the courageous Jane, who was very much impressed by everything, broke the silence. “Erc-Cydon, after hearing your so elucidatory words, I would like to know a little bit more about children on Mars. How do they look like?” “Oh, Jane, they are as cute as you and many of your children on Earth are. They usually have light blond hair, very blue eyes like yours. Their skin is whitetransparent and very smooth. They love to laugh and are always smiling. Their sense of humor is fantastic!” “But we also have pretty children with black hair and tanned skin”. “They do not get mad easily, because they think this is a waste of time things they do not agree with and that might make them upset. They always choose to act with respect and consideration with their parents, brothers, sisters, members of their families, friends, teachers, classmates, everyone.” “When some of them stand out from other classmates, for example,

The Astronaut from Mars

and energy and no good for their health! They prefer to discuss politely about

I 46 because of some great accomplishment or very good grades, they are rewarded with a marvelous interplanetary travel with their families and friends”, Erc-Cydon concluded. And he added: “we have spaceships the size of cities traveling through space, with everything we need inside them to supply all essential commodities for our space travelers or tourists, as we call them. In reality, at least three times a year, thousands of the inhabitants of our planet and from others embark on gigantic ships and set out for an interesting and educational cruise through space, visiting other planets inside and outside our Solar System, just as your cruise liners stop at any foreign ports of your

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

planet...

M 47 Those huge spaceships can ﬂy over a three-month period, and sometimes even more, enabling all passengers to see a little bit of the “many different mansions in the Universe”. “My God, this is fantastic, Erc-Cydon!” Once more Jane reacted in awe, her voice ﬁlled with the purest contentment…and she continues: “I would like to share with you something that bothers me a lot”, Jane said. “I have a 10-year-old sister who is always mad and complaining for silly things. I love her so much but she seems not to care about me. Even our parents have a hard time dealing with her. She is not patient and has no friends. What do you think about this?” “Listen, Jane, I quite understand your concerns. I am not a psychologist, but I can tell you something very important: Be very patient with her and more than anything else, give her all the love you can in the form of understanding, pardon and tolerance. Above all, let her clearly perceive how much you love her and care about her. In this way, I guarantee you that her behavior will be another one sooner than you can imagine. Be always a good example for her. She will notice that and she certainly will change and will become a nice and happy girl!” “Thank you so very much for your advice, Erc-Cydon. I promise you I will try my best to change this situation. I really need to do so and change she may say that usually might make me feel upset.” And Jane added: “Now I know how much she needs our help.” “And I will give her all the help and love she deserves.” She concludes. “ Great, Jane. I am very sure you will do the right thing. Move forward

The Astronaut from Mars

my own way of dealing with her, reacting with more patience to whatever

I 48 and prepare your road which lies ahead. You have a very promising future, my little friend. I can see it. And all the children on Earth as well. That’s why you are here for. To grow up and become the righteous leaders of this planet at a time when hopefully wars will no longer belong here… with the incoming of a new Era of Peace and no more differences amongst all the peoples inhabiting this planet, plenty of beauty but still full of pitfalls and lack of solidarity by the ones who live in hate, control and greed.” And he continued: “Now I know why your astronauts who have been traveling throughout space all these decades and visited your Moon, reacted in total amazement when they saw the fascinating beauty and fragility of your Earth from space. I understand why some of them felt a powerful interconnectedness with the celestial bodies surrounding their spacecraft, when returning to planet Terra, deeply touched by this mysterious feeling of belonging to everywhere…with no sense of separation… For example, we on Mars are aware of one of your Apollo astronauts called Edgar Mitchell (Apollo 14), who had a deep inner experience and connectedness with the Universe when returning from your Moon. In reality, I felt the same connection when I saw your planet from so far away on my journey to Earth…a tiny blue point ﬂashing faintly as if asking for help…when I deeply felt the longing to understand WHY man has always been separated by so insigniﬁcant and foolish reasons, making all kinds of wars and terrorism, when, in reality, there is nothing materially separating any frontiers seen from outer space,

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

that could mean any kind of division or territorial separation, or that could justify a single battle for conquest or dominion upon a place or nation…” Needless to say that Erc-Cydon’s last words fell like a dart whose target was everyone’s heart. That reality was painful, but lamentably the purest

M 49

Martian Flowers

And the questions now turned into the Martian flowers… “How about the flowers?” Do you have any on Mars?” “Oh my little Jane. There you are again. And this time you brought out my favorite theme, when it comes to mother nature’s splendor- the flowers!” “I will begin talking about the unique and wonderful scent of our flowers. We have several flower centers on Mars, where all kinds of flowers are nicely cultivated. Those marvelous expressions of the nature, besides their unique fragrance, also emit a polarized light, with light rays coming from different sources, mainly during the night. Martians and those sublime gifts that nature offers us, constantly exchange their loving vibrations during special ceremonies at the flower centers during Spring time. Thus, men, women and children, all together, can feed one another with the blow of celestial life…” “I specially love the gorgeous roses we can find all over the Martian equator, which carry with them a delicate characteristic of total transparency of their petals! They have very soft colors (light- pink, green and white) whose guess what?” He went on: “Our children are in charge of the major tasks which allow the flowers to be transformed into so many kinds of rare and beautiful roses, and they just love their mission as the angel gardeners of the flower centers…

The Astronaut from Mars

scent is marvelously pleasant for our senses and a balm for our spirits… and

I 50 “I would like to add something here, my friends. In reality, within a certain concept, all manifestations of all forms of life are like the roses, a nature’s creation in the vastness of God’s garden… with all interacting and exchanging their diversities on various levels of evolution – givers and receivers- under the loving surveillance of a supreme and divine cosmic force… And man, in his lack of understanding, of the sacred things, has destroyed the harmony of his being on your Earth, making war with his brothers and sisters and living in confusion, as a lost soul…” “To conclude, I also would like to say that I am a member of the team that is researching on the vegetal light, tiny etheric pulsating light particles produced by our Martian ﬂowers and roses, that are activated when the twilight begins to display the beauty of its own unique light, until the moment these marvelous manifestations of our nature become luminous fountains, through the most natural and purest vegetal alchemy…” and he continued. “By that I mean, a profound transmutation of the translucent elements which are connected with their own creative essence…” Erc-Cydon smiled tenderly, leaving everyone so blissful and feeling an inner explosion of joy that surely marked that moment forever! Little Jane started crying in silence, ﬁlled with lots of profound emotion. Erc-Cydon was equally very touched by that moment. With the most loving gaze, he turned to his friends and with great kindness and compassion in his voice said:

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

“I am most impressed by all that has happened, at this Amazon forest since I arrived here, because I had this marvelous opportunity to meet all of you, sharing with you a great experience I shall never forget. I never thought in meeting people like you on Earth. But I believe nothing happens

M 51 by chance. Now I know that this planet has righteous people in a perfect bond of brotherhood. I am very happy and would like to see your research grow to be a successful one, also wishing you the best of luck in all that you pursue in the future. Now I am equally aware that planet Earth is a good place for any of us from outer space visit and stay, provided that all of us can contribute for a better world and a planetary understanding.” “I am so proud of all of you”, he went on. “What you are performing right now is something magical, a process of discovery immersed in the thrill of exploration”. “Congratulations, my dear friends!” And with a gesture of farewell, Erc-Cydon started climbing up the stairs to enter the spaceship Erc-Cydonia, and in front of the door, he paused to look back and said his last words: “Good-bye, my good friends! I do hope to see you again in the not distant future!” “I think this will happen sooner than you all can imagine!”, he added. The door slid silently, closing down behind him and in a matter of seconds spaceship Erc-Cydonia was ﬂying over the Amazon skies in a high speed, crossing the atmosphere and vanishing out of our friends ’sight…They were there, on the ground, on terra ﬁrma, glancing up at the sky and thinking of this absolutely incredible mission performed by an inhabitant from other he was for the human race! One of the teachers, Edward, with a tone that could not hide his profound emotion, said in a loud voice, almost yelling: “Bye-bye, Erc-Cydon. Have a safe trip back to Mars. I also think you will be back here sooner than you can imagine!”

The Astronaut from Mars

planet, so preoccupied with our evolution on Earth. What a terriﬁc example

I 52 He knew that Erc-Cydon could hear him. He had that ability that people from Earth would master some day!!! How lucky they were. The experience they had just lived would make them change forever… They knew, from now on, that man and woman from planet Earth had to get prepared to move forward for their future interplanetary journeys. Planet Mars, for the first time, would be the next world to be visited, explored and hopefully colonized! This mysterious Red Planet that has filled humans’ imagination for centuries and centuries, finally will be our destination in the next decades! For we have already explored deepest ocean realms and set foot on other world – our own Moon! However, before a manned journey to Mars, we certainly will establish a lunar colony and a refueling spaceport to move forward, for planet Mars beckons us, our next titanic step in our spiral outward into our Solar System!

Maria Bogéa-Thomé

GODSPEED!!!

Part II

Other Space Issues

“Survival of the species - that’s what it’s all about…” (John W. Young, active astronaut for 45 years!)

5 55

Cydonia, the Face and the Pyramids

Is Cydonia a city on Mars? Most probably, where the famous and mysterious FACE is located, as well as many pyramids… The Mars FACE represents a great enigma. For everyone, researchers and scientists. How it fascinates me! One interesting detail about the FACE that can be envisioned is, for example, when the sun is rising and strikes the Silbury Hill Mound in England, according to researchers, “the mouth of the Mars FACE seems to open to speak”, with the sun shining with a blazing trail of light behind… And this certainly is a mathematical alignment…but, WHO did it??? And WHEN??? Also, according to science writer, Richard Hoagland (Independent Mars Investigation Team), some time ago a solstice alignment was detected between the Mars FACE, some objects in the city of Cydonia, and certain strange features, a real mathematical alignment that up until then had only been witnessed on Earth… The first mission to land on Mars from Earth was sent when NASA years after the Mariner 4 made its first orbit around Mars. No one was even imagining what was going to be found there. The VIKINGS mission aimed to research for evidence of microbial life on the red soil. But, on its way to its destination, when flying over a barren region dubbed Cydonia, the

The Astronaut from Mars

launched the VIKING ORBITERS 1 and 2, in the summer of 1976, eleven

m 56 spacecraft snapped a photo of a sphinx-like humanoid face, what became the famous Mars FACE! The VIKINGS cameras had also detected images of what seemed to be three pyramidal structures! And those pyramids seem to have a very much accurate mathematical conﬁguration with the pyramids on Earth located in Egypt, Mexico, Peru, to name a few. The most famous Martian Pyramid is standing on its hill about some ten or so miles southwest of the FACE and pointed in direction of the north as are the famous three pyramids of Egypt. The Mars structures strongly appear to be temple sites aligned with the most respected and revered objects known and worshiped for ancient civilizations on Earth, which were the “head and the skull”, both symbols representing high intelligence and wisdom! What I think that is so interesting and impressive is that the rising and the setting of planetary bodies as Venus and Sirius ( as the own Sun) have been really important symbols of various Goddess-worshipping civilizations for thousands and thousands of centuries. In reality, according to dr Zechary Sitchin, the best selling author of books called the Earth Chronicles, the “Genesis is true and ought to be read as a historic document rather than just a religious one”. And he was right. He also declared that Egyptians and Sumerians immortalized the symbolism of the rising and setting of cosmic bodies in their temples, caves Maria Bogéa -Thomé

and ceremonies. The Mayans also honored the rising and the setting of the planet Venus, celebrating this morning and evening Star! Even today, some people on Earth seem to have inherited this mystic culture. And the Martians were

5 57 not different with their rectilinear arrangement and the way the sun light (rising and setting) crosses different angles of the pyramids in Cydonia, demonstrated by several computer enhancements all over the world, in perfect alignment with various pyramidal structures of Earth!!! Just coincidence? I don’t believe this has happened just by chance! Now, WHO are or were those so advanced people who built all those incredible structures on Mars? And WHERE are their progeny now? Because I ﬁrmly trust that the photos of all the reliable cameras of the spacecrafts that during all the last decades have gone to Mars and explored various of its regions, plus their accurate computer enhancements, are the most convincing proof of the existence of: ○ the FACE; ○ the Pyramids and ○ the city dubbed Cydonia on Mars! I do hope the future will unveil us what we all deserve to know about the mysteries and enigma involving the Red Planet, conﬁrming our conjectures and many others’. I do not believe, as a few scientists do, that all Mars’ structures are the result of the winds’ action during dust storms that might have formed them. WHY should be this way? For me, a very weird conclusion… I do believe extraterrestrial intelligences may have had a good share in Just like the pyramids of Egypt that with no doubt had been built by very advanced Pharaonic civilizations through the centuries, and of course NOT by the winds, the ones on Mars without a shadow of a doubt were also raised by really evolved intelligences. WHO doubts? I don’t!!! And I believe,

The Astronaut from Mars

their ediﬁcation! It is that simple!

m 58 neither you, my reader!!! Time will reveal all Martian enigma in the right moment. Because I do believe everything is in the Divine Right Order!

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

Let’s get prepared for that!

5 59

By the Way, Do You Believe in Ufos?

Some time ago I heard from reliable sources that the Expedition 9 Crew Commander, cosmonaut Gennady Padalka and NASA Science Officer, astronaut Michael Fincke, on August 3, 2004 saw something strange while working at the ISS (International Space Station), during an EVA (extra vehicular activity, when the astronauts open the hatch and reach out into space hooked by their thethers, - thin wires attached to their suits). The two men were working outside the Station to replace a worn out pump assembly on the Zarya module. And all of a sudden they saw two Ufos (unidentified flying objects…), one traveling at a 45 degree angle in relation to the ISS and the other seen almost 2 minutes later, moving horizontally to the ISS. It is said that some time after the sightings, the line feed was cut off and never restored…and not only the cameras mounted aboard the ISS robotic arm registered the mysterious flying objects, but - I was told- also the NASA live TV captured the images of the strange objects… This is, undoubtedly, an exciting food for thought…isn’t it? When I hear about events like this one, I invariably think of the children that, when I mention anything related to Ufos to my young nieces and nephews, whose ages range from 4 to 13, they always say something very smart, like: “WHY should we be the only ones in our Solar System or the whole Universe?” I know for sure that children here on Earth think the

The Astronaut from Mars

and how they would react when hearing about them. It is very interesting

m 60 same way, for they with their simplicity and candor, are naturally capable of coming to any intelligent conclusions, as they only can, when the issue has to do with “mysterious stuff!” Planet Mars can be described as a very cold desert, not a bit comparable to the polar deserts of Earth. Currently Mars experiences extreme temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, dryness and harsh radiation that cannot be compared to Earth’s features. According to NASA scientists, the Martian geology and biology cannot be compared to the Earth’s. However, it is said that our planet is a very good reference for studying other planets of our solar system, a basis for conducting comparative studies critically, because there are some “approximations”, although nothing equal to Mars

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

up to now!

5 61

NASA Haughton Mars Project

Because of some similarities and the differences between Earth and Mars, a project called NASA HAUGHTON Mars PROJECT was started in 1998, managed by the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute under the leadership of Dr Pascal Lee, with the participation of a wide variety of other government agencies, not only in the USA, but also in Canada and other countries, institutions, universities, corporations, space interest groups, including the National Space Society (NSS- presided in Brasilia, Brazil, by this author), the Mars Society, The Planetary Society, etc. This revolutionary project is being explored around good part of the Devon Island, in the High Canadian Arctic, inside a crater dubbed “Haughton”, formed about 23 millions of years ago by the impact of an asteroid or meteor. This project aims at studying the geological characteristics of that region which seems to have some analogies or “approximations” with certain regions on Mars! Within this fantastic project, there is a segment of the utmost importance, the ARTHUR CLARKE Mars GREENHOUSE, which is sending back data on with the project, training there in a simulation for a future exploration of planet Mars! Each Summer, lots of researchers, students and supporting staff share several activities in the High Canadian Arctic, with tens of other individuals and visitors, including visiting media for a short stay.

The Astronaut from Mars

daily basis by satellite to scientists, geologists, researchers, everyone involved

m 62

Rovers Spirit & Opportunity

We are now in orbit around planet Mars and with the incredible twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity, both respectively at Gusav Crater and Meridiani Planum, working real hard doing their terrific jobs on the Martian surface, discovering amazing things! SPIRIT is finding more and more sure indicators for a wet history on the side of Mars it is exploring right now. On January 3, 2004, I was lucky enough to be in Pasadena, California, with hundreds and hundreds of members of The Planetary Society, very close to JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab), waiting the landing of the rover Spirit , in Gusev Crater, on Mars. Through a huge screen, all of us were seeing and listening as the mission engineers at the JPL reported on Spirit’s progress during its flight through the Martian atmosphere. When we got a signal that Spirit rolled to a stop safely, we all entered into a state of euphoria and great excitement! Cheers erupted from everywhere!!! OPPORTUNITY, which landed on the opposite side of Mars three weeks later, on January 24, 2004, also found strong evidence for water activity on that extremity of the Red Planet. But it has also found evidence that, before humans

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

prepare for a mission to Mars, certain measures should be reviewed for planetary biological protection (according to dr Jeffrey Kargel, of the US Geological Survey), because humans could be at risk of infections for which we have no cures on Earth as far as we know… and this could wipe out life on our planet!

5 63 For this reason, one of the next robotic missions to Mars, within a few years, will be a sample return mission of the surface of Mars. Both rovers’ main purpose - Spirit and Opportunity - is look for geological evidence of whether the sites they have landed were ever wet and with a real chance to be hospitable to life. Their search is being very successful! In reality, Mars deﬁnitely has weather, some days with clouds and others clear and sunny, according to atmospheric observations by the rovers! To discover and unveil most of the mysteries on the Red Planet is a matter of time and patience. And time we have! As to patience, I ﬁrmly believe our current scientists and all their marvelous teams at JPL know exactly what this means, without forgetting to mention our children, who will be the next voyagers and explorers traveling to planet Mars and beyond our Solar System, who also will patiently await, enthusiastically studying hard, to make possible, in the near future, any space commitments and accomplishments for mankind’s colonization of

The Astronaut from Mars

space on all levels imaginable and possible!

m 64

Space Tourism

Finally took off… The eternal dream of opening space to the general public on Earth came true, with a great impact and a tremendous boost in 2004, when SpaceShipOne won the X Prize for its magnificent suborbital flights! On June 2, 2004, a 62-year-old civilian test pilot, Mike Melvill, became the first man to pilot a privately financed vehicle into space, when he flew at an altitude of 100 kilometers (62 miles), climbing above the Earth’s atmosphere for a few moments, before gliding to a runaway smooth landing in the Mojave Desert, in California. And then came the next suborbital flight in September and the last one on October 4, 2004 with astronaut Brian Binnie and his SpaceShipOne flight rocketing into history and becoming the 1st private manned spacecraft to exceed an altitude of 328,000 feet twice. I had the great privilege to fly Zero-G with Brian Binnie, inside the GForce One, on September 17, 2004, Los Angeles, California, and we had a lot of fun together with the other lucky people aboard! The brilliant Burt Rutan (Scaled Composites) and Paul Allen, Microsoft cofounder, were put in the lead with the SpaceShipOne, to win

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

the Ansari X Prize, a $10 million pursue offered to the ﬁrst team to launch a spacecraft to 100 kilometers beyond Earth’s atmosphere. And the dynamic Peter Diamandis, CEO and President of X Prize Foundation funded the purse through an insurance policy, which resulted into a great success!

5 65 Right now, space tourism is being considered a fantastic breakthrough and is no longer seen as something out of our daily reality. With all the accomplishments companies made in 2004, with the recognition from Congress that this is a real serious effort, the skeptics are changing their minds and becoming excited about the idea of space tourism, with many wealthy people paying attention to what is going on when the issue is sending people to space. They seem to be more motivated to invest into space ventures in the not-distant-future! Since many years ago, Apollo astronaut, dr Buzz Aldrin, has been the world’s loudest voice on the feasibility of space tourism in the near future. And he proved to be soundly right! Last year, when he became aware of the X Prize, he stated: “I think the X Prize should be viewed as the beginning of one giant leap, and that giant leap will involve the participation of citizens in the exciting venture outward into space”. Actor Tom Hanks and one of National Space Society’s Governors also expressed himself: “ The X-Prize is a master-stroke, a brilliant idea. What the X-Prize could very well do is to jump-start a part of space exploration that is based on the active participation of regular Americans.” And I add here my own thoughts: “Space Tourism is really space exploration, but can be also entertainment and fun.” of humans, followed by a return to the Moon, a ﬁrst journey to Mars and to asteroids. In reality, space has always fascinated the human species. For centuries and centuries man has tried to map and study the wondrous of the cosmos…

The Astronaut from Mars

I believe that very soon space travel will become the ﬁrst accomplishment

m 66 The day of a spacefaring civilization is arriving before our marveled eyes and becoming an amazing reality in the not-distant-future! For the first time in a very long time, NASA has received permission to advance with plans towards moving humans out of low Earth orbit-where the International Space Station is orbiting- to go back to our Moon, this time to stay and colonize it, and then onward and outward planet Mars and throughout our own Solar System. Thanks to SPACE ADVENTURES headquartered in Arlington, Virginia we had two space tourists – Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth- sent to space, more precisely to the International Space Station. What a thrilling experience!!! The next passenger will be american business man Greg Olsen. Currently, Space Adventures is expanding its frontiers, what means a fantastic implement of its space projects towards sending more people to space for more affordable costs. In this sense, the president and CEO of Space Adventures – Eric Anderson and his efficient team in USA- are developing great efforts with a broad vision capable of reaching other continents with the sole aim of bringing to everyone the chance of flying zero gravity, suborbital and orbital flights. Evidently these are the most revolutionary times for space tourism exploration, under the auspices of people of the stature of the ones who run

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

Space Adventures. ShareSpace Foundation Apollo astronaut, Dr Buzz Aldrin, launched the ShareSpace Foundation in 1998, with a very special mission: privatize space and send space tourists

5 67 beyond the Earth orbit, paying affordable fees. Not only myself, but hundreds of people believe in Buzz Aldrin’s so outstanding and futuristic projects aiming at sending humans, as the name says, to share space with everyone, a dream for centuries and centuries that has always fascinated humanity leaving on Earth and, I believe, also experienced by other outer space intelligences, everywhere in the cosmos! Recently, Dr Aldrin announced a new contest for private citizens to go to space. We are talking about “The Free Ticket To Space Sweepstakes”, a competition by diet Seven Up, in partnership with the Ansari X Prize Foundation, that will award a free seat on a future commercial spaceﬂight totally approved by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). This is a marvelous opportunity for most of people who cannot afford to pay $20 million to ﬂy to space! This contest can be translated as a true Space Tourism

The Astronaut from Mars

for humans from all walks of life. Isn’t this fantastic?

m 68

Apollo 11 Moon Landing

What worries me and some people I know, is what children are learning from the “Moon hoax believers”, who have constantly denied the Apollo Moon landings, making our children and teachers all over the world face hard times with all the “conspiracy documentaries”, saying we never went to our Moon! We are so fortunate that our so bright children invariably come to us with a question: “why do some people say we did not go the Moon? Are they paid to say that?” Or, “why some adults don’t know much about space exploration?” It is very impressive how children can be so smart in contradiction with the strange behavior of certain “grown up” people. What they are trying to do to our children is a real “monumental deception”, as has said astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot on the ﬁrst moon landing. However, their “dirty conspiracy” has no reliability and/or sustainable

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

basis. Fortunately!

5 69

Apollo 11 Astronauts

Neil Armstrong Was the first man from Earth to walk on the Moon on the Apollo 11 mission, as most of you, children on Earth know! And he did it as the Ambassador of mankind. His first words on the Moon: “… this is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind…” will last forever into everyone’s mind and heart. Yes, Armstrong, you are a very privileged human being and your name will be pronounced for centuries and centuries through the various generations to come…and through the eternity… Now, I would like to mention here that the most expected biography of Neil Armstrong, by professor James Hansen, from Auburn University, Alabama, will be published in October 2005, according to an email I received in October 2004 from Armstrong’s office in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am very fortunate because I met Neil Armstrong personally in 2003, during a huge event- the 2003 National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony from 18-20 July of that year, in Dayton, Ohio, when we had the chance to talk for a while and take pictures together. Exactly on July 20, Dayton, when some Apollo astronauts and all participants were all smiles and hugs, celebrating that magnificent date! Neil is a very nice guy although an introverted person. This is a characteristic of his personality.

The Astronaut from Mars

on the 34th anniversary of the 1st Apollo Moon landing, there we were in

m 70 People in Brazil are in great expectation concerning his possible visit to our country in the very near future for a huge event in the Amazon forest sponsored by an entrepreneur called Dr Ritta, the owner of the ARIAU Towers Hotel, who also met Armstrong during a space event in Portugal, in 2003. I am very sure everyone inhabiting this little planet Earth is looking forward in excitement to having the unique and rare opportunity to enter into this man’s enigmatic life, through the magic writings of Professor Hansen (author of several books), who has worked hard to accomplish the incredible task of writing about the life of the ﬁrst human to set foot on the Moon! Finally we all on Earth will have access to the 608 - page authorized bio “First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong.”

Buzz Aldrin He followed Neil on his turn to set foot on the Moon and explore its soil. But, before doing that, still inside the “Eagle”, he took a special host he had carried with him from Earth, and in a moment of great inspiration, he entered into a blissful spiritual state, receiving the Eucharist through the little piece of bread he ate at his sole Holy Communion, a gesture that made former Brazil’s President, Senator Jose Sarney, who, in 1969 was the young governor of the state of Maranhao (northeast of Brazil), come to the Maria Bogéa -Thomé

conclusion, while watching the ﬁrst lunar landing on the TV at his cabinet, that his true hero on that magniﬁcent adventure was Buzz Aldrin! His beautiful gesture was something totally unexpected and unique. A beautiful demonstration of faith in the Creator of everything…

5 71 As a man of strong faith, Sarney was deeply touched by Aldrin’s most unexpected gesture, Buzz was so distant from his own home planet...some 130.000 miles away, but so close to God… Yes, Buzz, when you personally confirmed to me, some time ago, your Communion with God during that thrilling lunar moment, I really felt a tremendous privilege to be next to a friend that had specially been placed by God here, to fulfill what you, Buzz, fulfilled, joyfully and blissfully…

Michael Collins Lucky you, Michael! That time, July 20, 1969 he made me deeply think about his own mission around the Moon. And after reading his excellent book “Flying to the Moon”, in which one can read : “ I was truly alone, the only person in the Solar System who could not even see the planet of his birth…”, I felt how much connected he was to everything around him, mainly in a spiritual sense, fulﬁlling a powerful mission in a cosmic sense, he probably was not aware of… His only companion, I say, was the vastness of the Cosmos – God in His transcendental essence… for Michael was not alone! As a human being from Earth, he also was representing billions of people from his home planet… who, like him, did not land on the Moon, but were all very tuned The black void around Michael made his apparent solitude a supreme and sublime cosmic experience. What a privilege, Michael! How I would like to be there sharing with you that marvelous solitude… so that we could sing together a beautiful song for the stars and honor the black and so mysterious

The Astronaut from Mars

to everything taking place there…

m 72 void… in peace and everlasting joy. And there you were, orbiting the Moon so many times, like a traveler from the stars, while waiting for the two other lucky guys, Neil and Buzz, to join you again, and… all together journey back to mother Earth… where a multitude of humans were in great expectation to warmly salute the three men who would become the everlasting heroes for the inhabitants of the third planet from the Sun… We should not forget to say that before man first landed on the Moon, lots of tremendous efforts were made by other astronauts who did their fantastic jobs before the Apollo Moon landings, by paving the “stellar ways” for the next Moon explorers, first with the Mercury 7 astronauts, after with the Gemini Missions and later with Apollo 7, Apollo 8, Apollo 9 and Apollo 10! Those Apollos did not land on the Moon, but went very close, orbiting it and studying the best way to land there… for their colleagues who would be the pioneers from Earth to land and walk on our natural satellite... Other Heroes Those equally considered heroes, were Wally Schirra, Walt Cunningham and the late Don Eisele (Apollo 7); Frank Borman, Bill Anders (Apollo 8); Jim McDivitt, Rusty Schweickart (Apollo 9), and finally Tom Stafford (Apollo 10). Also let me say here that Apollo 7 and Apollo 9 were the only two flights of the Lunar Program to stay in Earth orbit, but these missions’ small steps were the most important for the ones who followed them and landed on the Maria Bogéa -Thomé

Moon.

5 73

First Brazilian Woman to Fly Zero-Gravity

Maria Bogéa-Thomé was born in Sao Luis, Maranhao (state of the Northeast of Brazil) , but she grew up in Rio de Janeiro. Since her childhood she has always wondered about space voyages, the stars, the planets, the cosmos and Ufos! Her husband and two of her three beloved children “ have already left this dimension, moving for a better destination, they all really deserved, after a short lived life here”, Maria says with her voice filled with emotion… She is a Public Relations professional, a space researcher, an author, a freelance writer. Also a former TV actress and fashion model. She retired recently from the Brazilian Government, having collaborated for a Brazilian president, politicians and a Secretary of State. Maria Bogéa-Thomé recently (on September 17,2004) became the first Latin-American and Brazilian woman to fly Zero-Gravity in California, inside the G-Force One ( a flight only available before for astronauts training to go to space!), owned by the Zero-G Corporation of Dr Peter Diamandis. According to Maria, this flight represented the beginning of a “new space near future, leaving our atmosphere, when she really will get the astronaut status! This is what happens when you fly beyond the Earth atmosphere! And courage she has. She has always successfully and firmly pursued whatever she has in mind, a characteristic of her personality known by all

The Astronaut from Mars

frontier” for her. She is looking forward to ﬂying a suborbital ﬂight in the

m 74 her family and the many friends she has in Brazil and abroad, and even commented on Brazil’s publications. Quoting her own words “to experience total freedom, joy and a very deep emotion while floating during my Zero-G flight was something I shall never erase from my mind and my heart!”, and she went on: “ I felt as if I were an angel floating, as if my spirit also shared the marvelous flight…and I surely will not stop here!” (interview for the

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

famous Correio Braziliense newspapers, January 2005, Brasilia, Brazil).

5 75

National Space Society (NSS)

The National Space Society was founded by the late rocket scientist, Wernher von Brau, in 1974. This so outstanding grassroots nonproﬁt space organization is deeply involved with the creation of a spacefaring civilization. NSS is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has almost 80 chapters in USA and around the world. NSS has a clear VISION: “People living and working in thriving communities beyond the Earth.” NSS has a MISSION characterized by dynamism and optimism experienced by its members: “To promote social, economic, technological, and political change, to anticipate the day when humankind will live, work and, I add more, have fun in space!” our human race and all species of animal and plants on our planet, by means of new advanced technologies and resources to be applied in every area possible, to improve the quality of life for every and each living being and other forms of life on Earth, when we, as humans, hopefully and ﬁnally will

The Astronaut from Mars

Our MISSION also involves other aspects, as to ensure the survival of

m 76 live in much better times, in Peace and Prosperity! This author is deeply honored in being the president of NSS in Brasilia, capital of Brazil. Ad Astra! (Latin expression meaning “To the Stars!”) www.nss.org

The Planetary Society Is a non-governmental space advocacy group, founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan (1934-1996), Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman. This space organization is a large one and very active. Its headquarters is in Pasadena,

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

California.

5 77

VASIMR Experiment – Aiming to Mars… and Beyond…!!!

The Variable Speciﬁc Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) is conducted by students from universities all over the world at the ASPL (Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory), at Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. The director of the ASPL is NASA astronaut, Dr Franklin Chang-Diaz, a brilliant plasma physicist, who has enthusiastically been working on the development of the VASIMR since 1979. First, it was started at Charles Stark Draper Lab, having continued at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Plasma Fusion Center until it was moved to JSC. Various government space and research centers, with academia and industrial companies are united in supporting this revolutionary project. Why is this VASIMR experiment being developed at ASPL, under the responsibility of Dr Chang-Diaz? The answer is: To take a human mission to planet Mars, to explore the moon Europa in Jupiter and beyond! This fantastic plasma technology being developed would allow a much VASIMR could deliver a 20 metric ton cargo to Mars in as little as 39 days!!! Every eleven years is the best opportunity for a human mission to Mars, when the Red Planet’s orbit is closest to Earth’s, occasion in which both planets are in a favorable and proper position for the transfer. Of course

The Astronaut from Mars

faster trip to Mars. If powered by a nuclear electric power system, the

m 78 there are other opportunities within this eleven-year-period, however they are much more time-consuming and more costly. I have been to the ASPL visiting with Dr Chang-Diaz, who showed and explained to me all the mechanism of the VASIMR, causing me the most thrilling impression, when I became aware of its plasma heating techniques, the key to VASIMR operation. I really do believe this VASIMR will work and will take us to Mars in the

Maria BogĂŠa -ThomĂŠ

near future!

5 79

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Another alternative to take us to Mars would most likely be Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. A Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) is a technology being developed for a future mission to Mars! The NTR will only be used on the out bond leg of the mission. The astronauts must be protected from radiation which will develop during the time the rockets are ďŹ ring. This is enevitable. It will be necessary the TransMars Injection (TMI) stage of the transfer vehicle for the total protection of

The Astronaut from Mars

the crew, from the emission of radiation.

Part III

Interesting Images

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rationale for spaceflight is survival.â&#x20AC;? (Carl Sagan)

Photo: NASA

stronaut Buzz Aldrin descending

the ladder to set foot on the Moon (Apollo 11), following Neil Armstrong. This was the ďŹ rst moon landing, on

stronaut Gene Cernan, Apollo 17 Mission Commander, checking out the Lunar Roving Vehicle during Apollo 17 EVA (extra vehicular activity) on

the Moon. This was the last mission to our Moon (1972).

The Astronaut from Mars

Photo: NASA

July 20, 1969.

Photo: NASA

nternational Space Station (ISS). The ISS is a very important project, considered a key component in the NASA vision to improve life here, to extend life there,

to ﬁnd life beyond Earth. The ISS is a fantastic worldwide endeavor involving about 16 countries, including Brazil. Through the ISS, all space agencies involved are enabling the development and exploration of space to beneﬁt everyone on Earth, what is already happening.

iking Lander Craft 1 and 2 cameras (1976) startled scientists, revealing incredible

detailed evidence of what appeared to be

water on Mars!

Image from internet

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

scars left by running

Image: NASA

ur Solar System shown through an artistic representation.

hose fantastic lunar games, will they take place on our moon in the future? Who doubts?

The Astronaut from Mars

Image: NASA

eautiful view of the full moon photographed by the

Maria BogĂŠa -ThomĂŠ

ur spectacular King Sun in great activity

seen in extreme ultraviolet by the SOHO Satellite.

Photo: NASA

Apollo 11 astronauts, on their way back to Earth.

he Flaming Star

Photo: David Malin, Anglo Australian Observatory

Nebula (IC 405)

is a cloud of interstellar dust and gas. False color image for astronomers at Kitt Peak National Observatory to study the ionized hydrogen (yellow tints), sulfur (blue) and oxygen (violet)

he Fox-Fur Nebula (NGC

2264) is a result of gas and dark dust mixed, creating what gave rise to the cloudÂ´s nickname, the Fox-Fur Nebula.

he Milk Way in X-Rays. The core

of thousands of white and neutron stars and probably many black holes besides being a region of the sky we see in Sagittarius and Scorpius.

The Astronaut from Mars

Photo: NASA/UMass/D. Wang et al. image

of our Galaxy is home

Photo: T.A.Rector (NRAO/AUI/NSF and NOAO/AURA/NSF) and B.A.Wolpa (NOAO/AURA/NSF)

he Eagle Nebula (M16) received

this name because of the pillars of gas and dust in its center, which are carved by the strong radiation from hot, young stars nearby.

Photo: NASA, ESA, and the ACS Science Team

Maria BogĂŠa -ThomĂŠ

Photo: P.Massey (Lowell), N.King (STS CI), S. Holmes (Charleston), G. Jacoby (Wiyn)/AURA/NSF

he Pinwheel Galaxy (M 33).

Two spiral galaxies here. One is the famed Andromeda (M 31), faintly visible as a smudge of light northeast of Pegasus. The other is the Pinwheel Galaxy in Triangulum.

he Omega Nebula (M 17).

It earned this name from its apperance in small telescopes. The stars visible in the frame all shine much brighter and hotter than our sun.

he Seagull Nebula (IC 2177).

Its pretty bright red color is owed to giant clouds of

Photo: NASA, N.Walborn and J.Maíz-Apellániz (STS cl), and R,Barbá (La Plata Observatory)

Photo: George Greaney

hydrogen gas.

he Tarantula Nebula view

from the Hubble Telescope, showing the core of the nebula with a tight cluster of stars.

he Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

and Companion long lanes of stars and gas laced with dust. It Photo: NASA

is one of astronomy’s galactic darlings and is considered close to Earth.

The Astronaut from Mars

Galaxy are actually

e 90

Planet Mars Planet Mars has always inspired wild ﬂights of people´s imagination over the different centuries, as well as a deep interest from scientists everywhere. Mars is a small rocky planet and like the other “terrestrial” planets of our Solar System (Mercury, Venus and our Earth), its surface has been changed through the centuries by volcanism, dust storms, impacts from other bodies and movements of its crust. Right now, we have a good number of space rovers working hard on Mars sent from Earth. They are performing a great number of fantastic

Maria Bogéa -Thomé

Photo: Debora Schenk

Photo: NASA

experiments with results incredibly exciting.

hese ﬂowers from planet Earth could be very similar to the ﬂowers on Mars.

R Collonizing Mars

Hopefully, collonizing Mars (and even the Moon), or anywhere else in the Universe, might mean a real solution to save the Earth for different reasons. Many humans have an innate yearning to see our species extend its range beyond planet Earth... If we all on our planet do the right stuff, in every sense, we certainly might become the Masters of Heavens in the future! And WHO knows, we could probably avoid the worst for the future generations! It is said that over the next century there is a 1-in-455 chance of a cataclysmic asteroid impact that will end life on Earth! But, according to the book “Gaia Selene”, we could try to convert threatening near Earth asteroids into sources of carbon compounds and metals for industry. And I add more: Consequently, future generations might be a very happy species, with no worries concerning asteroid impacts, because Earth industry, by then, would know what to do to get rid of those “intruders”. The Mars Society This is an organization dedicated to Mars exploration, whose president is the brilliant physicist, Dr Robert Zubrin. They have also a project being developed in Hanksville – THE Mars DESERT RESEARCH STATION – a remote section of the Utah desert. Mars simulation, an authentic one, because of the isolation of the team working there(scientists, ecologists, geologists, engineers, and University students from all over the world). NASA is using this station in Utah to test communication systems for a Mars simulation. In the meantime, another Mars habitat is being planned for Iceland!

The Astronaut from Mars

Dr. Tony Muscatello is the project manager. This project is a real great

Personal Collection

stronaut Neil Armstrong with this

author (USA 2003), 1st man to walk on the moon (Apollo 11,

Images from internet

July 20, 1969)

Personal Collection

stronaut Buzz Aldrin with this author

(USA 2004), Moon walker and crew member of 1st Mission to land on the Moon (Apollo 11,

Images from internet

Maria BogĂŠa -ThomĂŠ

July 20, 1969)

Personal Collection

everal members of the National

Space Society (NSS) gathered before the Zero-G ﬂight inside G-Force One. My right hand has “landed” over astronaut Brian Binnie´s shoulder, while Personal Collection

my left hand holds a photo of the Brazilian Astronaut in training with NASA, to ﬂy to the ISS, lieutenant - colonel Marcos C.Pontes.

his author with a model of the Ariane Rocket (ESA), a

ow about that? The “astronaut” in training Maria Bogéa-

Thomé... Who doubts I am not having lots of fun, ﬂoating freely during my Zero-G ﬂight? (Los Angeles, California, September 17, 2004)

The Astronaut from Mars

Personal Collection

typical three stage launch vehicle.

BOOKS FOR CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;Ś I strongly recommend this wonderful book series by Isaac Asimov, revised and updated by Richard Hantula, The Solar System, The Sun, Venus, Earth, the Moon, Mars, Jupiter. Everyone will enjoy everything about those cosmic bodies, for the series present an interesting overview that should enormously entertain both adults and children. (Prometheus Books, each book 32 pp.)

Personal Collection

“Peace and Victory Everywhere” Maria Bogéa-Thomé before her Zero-G Flight

This book aims to entertain and inform the world’s children and future generations, who hold the dream and deserve to live in more enlightened and peaceful times.