Mars: Life on the Red Planet | BBC Earth Science

Some of this footage was filmed before 2024, and was correct at the time of filming

Mars is one of our closest neighbours, the fourth planet from the Sun, with only robotic explorers having explored this alien landscape. As the subject of sci-fi films and chart-topping songs alike, come on a journey with us to explore the mystery of Mars.

[chadjmoore]

Before we start colonizing off planet we need to come together as species. We need to end war and hostility, see ourselves as Earthlings first and stop fighting over borders and culture. IF there are other sentient life that we will meet we need to be united as a species or fail.

[hannesw.]

The fact that astronauts in spacesuits simply cannot scratch their face didn't occur to me until now...

[cdunne]

Everything is always on point. Can't get enough!

[isatousarr]

The search for life on Mars often involves studying the planet's electromagnetic field, which could offer clues about its atmospheric history and potential habitability. Understanding how Mars' magnetic field, or lack thereof, impacts the planet’s ability to support life is crucial for unraveling its past and assessing future exploration prospects. How does Mars' electromagnetic field or the absence of a strong global magnetic field affect the planet’s atmosphere and potential for life, and what does this tell us about the conditions necessary for sustaining life on Mars?

[stephenbrand]

This is the second video I've seen from this series where they say that Mars is half the diameter of Earth, but then they fail to mention that Mars only has 10 percent of Earth's mass, which is the far more relevant figure.

[PaulAnthony]

Brian Cox, the peter pan rock star of science :)

[CoolStory-Bro]

2026.... When you realize, you've heard this all before.

More like 2076.

And I'd be impressed if we are even back on the moon by 2036. But could be possible.

Good luck y'all.

[itsthereali.v.]

If there was life on Mars it definitely wouldn't be broadcast on This channel lol

[harrygoldhagen]

A wonderful, enjoyable, informative video. Thanks BBC!

[syvarris]

Is that Zachary Quinto narrating in the opening?

[zacharyhinschberger]

Now id be terrified to sneeze or have an itch that you cannot get. Id go insane and feel claustrophobic!

[raymondheriel]

I believe that billions of years ago, Mars had life probably like earth or more sophisticated. If we will someday be able to explore Mars then scientists will come up with interesting archeology that will leave us Jaw dropping.

[djsarg]

Could we really live on Mars? 100% no. Solar radiation would kill you before you get here. It is too cold, too dry and to toxic a place.

[michaelanderson]

Mars' canyons may hold life - local atmosphere.

[Synthematix]

I think its pretty obvious that mars once had some form of life, doubt it would have been human-like life but instead aquatic. fish can survive in some pretty extreme conditions, especially the cold. Although part of me wonders if the film "total recall" may have been delving in to the right area of what might have happened as far as life is concerned lol

[babylovr]

Hmm... I got 1 question want to know. Where is all the mars water gone to.

[rameybutler-hmnx]

I would want to know what diseases react with mars first.

[jimthorne]

This is far below the standard expected from the BBC. The subject is trivialised by the presentation and unnecessary production tricks. It's painful to watch an interesting subject being subjected to treatment like this.

[browngreen]

If Mars were habitable it would be worth going there. But a dead planet trip is pure Science Fiction.

[Pincer]

What is that music from approximately 22:18? It's beautiful!