In The Mystery of Mars, pioneering astronaut Sally Ride and noted science writer, Tam O"Shaughnessy, draw on results from the most recent missions to Mars to present a comprehensive overview of Earth"s nearest planetary neighbor. With its thin atmosphere, rocky canyons, extinct volcanoes, and icy polar regions, Mars has many things in common with Earth. Water once flowed over its surface, and there exists the possibility that life may have begun there. Comparing the two planets" evolution, geology, and geography, the authors explain what we know about Mars today-and what we hope to learn about Mars in the future, including whether primitive life does exist somewhere beneath its barren surface. The Mystery of Mars is an engaging and accessible introduction to the Red Planet, and the ideal guide to the coming age of Mars exploration.