This chapter recounts how Mars has always attracted the attention of sky watchers on Earth, whether portrayed as the Greek, Roman, Babylonian, or Hindu God of War, or as the Chinese or Japanese Fire star. It mentions that the Incas named the planet Auqakuh, while it was called Simud in ancient Sumer and Ma'adim in ancient Hebrew. It also describes Mars as a planet that stood out as a special object in the sky that is comparable in brightness only to Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. The chapter emphasizes how Mars is more colorful in the nighttime sky than the other planets as it appears red in color much of the time. It also explores humanity's attraction to the idea of life on Mars.

Mars has always attracted human attention due to its unique appearance, brightness, and potential for life on Mars.

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why mars matters

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