Ask Dr. Universe podcast explores Mars, missions, and life beyond Earth

The latest episode of the Ask Dr. Universe podcast takes listeners on a journey across the solar system, featuring Washington State University planetary scientist Julie Ménard. In the episode, Ménard explains how planets form and evolve, what it might take for humans to reach Mars, and whether life could exist beyond Earth.

Listeners learn how scientists study terrestrial planets like Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars using spacecraft data, and why Mars has become a focal point for future exploration. Ménard describes how upcoming missions to the moon will help prepare for sending astronauts to Mars and potentially establishing a base on its surface.

"If you look at Mercury, Earth, Mars, or Jupiter, they all look completely different," Ménard said. "I'm interested in how that happens and what it tells us about how planets evolve."

If you look at Mercury, Earth, Mars, or Jupiter, they all look completely different. I'm interested in how that happens and what it tells us about how planets evolve.

The episode also explores whether humans could one day live on Mars. While long-term settlement would be difficult due to extreme cold and a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, Ménard says missions that put humans on the planet could happen within the next several decades.

Ask Dr. Universe is a science education project from WSU that answers real questions from curious kids around the world. Readers and listeners can submit their own questions and explore more columns, videos, and the Ask Dr. Universe podcast online.