In the early 1900s, many very smart people were convinced there was life on Mars. Not just some bacteria or algae — actual intelligent creatures that built civilizations on the face of the Red Planet. For a time, Mars and Martians became all the rage in science, culture, fashion, and literature. The most fascinating part of this mania is that it’s not as crazy as it sounds.
A total solar eclipse is coming on August 21, 2017. The last time America experienced one like it was 1878. In the days of the Industrial Revolution, the western expansion, and explosive empirical discovery, America was eager to show well-heeled European scientists that they too could conduct successful observations.
I am absolutely relishing these long days, and dreading when we swing back around the Sun and it gets darker earlier. Even as far south as I live, there is still a hint of light at 9 p.m. and I love it. Here is what I am reading this week. American Eclipse by David Baron…