The Quest for Mars by Laurence Bergreen, is breezy and comprehensive
about NASA’s progress towards exploring the planet. It can’t be faulted for
immediacy; conversations are reported verbatim. It is absurdly detailed and
sometimes mysterious (a female scientist has “million dollar cheekbones”). All
this and countless sidetracks are exhausting but if you can survive the
prolixity you will be well informed on the prime adventure of the 21st century.
Published by HarperCollins, £19.99, ISBN 0002570300.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
A type of fibre that stimulates GLP-1 release approved for use in food
2
What is 'SpudCell'? Arguably the greatest bioengineering feat yet
3
The world's fastest spider tops 3.5 metres per second
4
The 4 must-watch science-fiction films of the year so far
5
Babies are born with the neural foundations for maths
6
The weirdness of neutrinos could completely rewrite particle physics
7
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
8
The best new science-fiction novels published in July 2026
9
We’re not the most successful human species
10
Slowdown of AMOC ocean current may be gradual and reversible
