THE PLANET MARS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1924, Page 2

THE PLANET MARS.

LISTENING-IN FOR SIGNALS. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION BUENOS AYRES, Aug. 20. United States scientists will liin lor possible .signals from theoretical inhabitants of .Mars. The Foreign Office publishes a communication from Washington saying that Astronomer Todd requests countries with high powered wireless to order their stations to remain silent temporarily ia order that .Martian signals may bo detected. GOOD VIEW OBTAINED. UNDER SUN'S RAYS. (“Sydney Sun” Cables). (Received this day at 9.20 a.i11.) NEW YORK.. August 21. The Lowell Observatory announces a tremendous growth of the two dark areas near the equator of Mars, which, a month ago, were comparatively faint. These regions were at the rear of planet until reicntly and therefore not able to lie entirely observed, huthave now swung into a wider view, presenting graphic evidence of the expansion that has taken place since the spring season began in the Martian Southern Hemisphere. They are a taint blue green, and might lx* an expanse of vegetation. Scientifically, these regions of Mars are known as Mare Cimmerinm and Mare Siromim, named before it was concluded that Mars probably has neither seas nor ocean*. The regions are nearly four hundred miles wide and stretch across neatly the entire disc of the planet. They probably comprise a million square miles. Since first noted earlier tlii* year, the planet tilting on its axis has brought these regions almost directly under the sun’s rays. On this earth, this action causes seasonal changes, bringing, a. growth of vegetation and melting the polar snow caps. Assuming this is what is occurring on Mars then the .southern polar snows may he slowly disappearing there. Tn accordance with the suggestion by the astronomer. Professor Todil of Amherst, all American radios will listen for messages from Mars between now and the week-end. Also, hundreds of thousands of radio sets throughout America anil England will he silent during live minute periods, starting on Thursday at midnight, until Saturday at noon. Professor Tot’d declared :—“Without doubt Mars was inhabited in the past by rational beings, so why not tTv to stretell a hand across the ether. II Martians ever made an attempt to coiiiiniinicate with us. now is the logical time to expect it. My scheme cannot do any harm, and something really might come of it.” When the air is steady. Professor Slipher. the photographic expert and astronomer, will eapture the planet s appearance on very sensitive photographic plates.