1 Many scientists around the world share a single goal: to establish a colony on Mars.Government programs and private groups are committing time, effort, and money to find a way to live there. But for the average person, this sounds a lot more like science fiction than science. How can a planet so different from Earth be a home for humans? There is much speculation about what Mars will actually be like once people get there. 2 The good news is that scientists are doing a lot of research to learn about this dusty, desert-like world.Land rovers roll over the rocky hills and orbiters spin in outer space above, taking pictures of the surface of Mars.. They automatically send these images to Earth to help scientists understand the planet's geography. As a result. some researchers have been able to simulate the environment. They can recreate the surface and thin atmosphere specific to the planet. 3 These studies have shown that Mars simply cannot support life for humans.If people want to live there, they must create an artificial environment. They must stay in special housing to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures outside. They also need to create their own oxygen, water, and food to survive. 4 There is little doubt that Mars colonists will feel isolated and alone at first. Depression is also likely, due to separation from loved ones for years or even a lifetime. But boredom will certainly not be a problem with so many things to do and places to explore. With just a little help from vehicles to get around, colonists can count on seeing huge mountains and volcanoes, wide sand dunes, and deep canyons. The enormous size of the landscape features is the result of years of dust storms and impacts from space objects. It is also likely the effect of moving water that once flowed freely on the surface of the planet. 5 Mars will certainly be a challenging place for humans to live. When the engine stops and colonists step onto the planet for the first time, they will be faced with a new and unforgiving environment .Their reaction to this world will determine whether Mars can truly be a place to call home. 1 Mars does not have what humans need to live. Select an option 2 Researchers have learned a lot about Mars. Select an option