Since I was a child, outer space has always captured my imagination. This interest has not changed much as an adult, and it is always exciting to be exposed to a new facet of an interest depending on the circumstances. Specifically, the concept of life on Mars may have answers close to (my new) home.
Just three hours away from Auckland, the kingdom of Tonga has been incubating a new island since late 2014. Initially projected to last only a few months, the island has held on strong thanks to the underwater volcano it was formed from. NASA now estimates a 6- to 30-year life span.
Since we're living in a satellite age, Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai is specifically of interest because it can provide a valuable insight into how planets in our solar system were formed, and thus if they were or have ever been able to sustain past life. The island's volcanic features and erosion rates are similar to what the researchers are seeing on Mars. Best of all, digital evidence can be documented for posterity.
Did I mention that Tonga is only three hours away? Perhaps it's time to make use of all those flight deals going on right now...
Since we're living in a satellite age, Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai is specifically of interest because it can provide a valuable insight into how planets in our solar system were formed, and thus if they were or have ever been able to sustain past life. The island's volcanic features and erosion rates are similar to what the researchers are seeing on Mars. Best of all, digital evidence can be documented for posterity.
Did I mention that Tonga is only three hours away? Perhaps it's time to make use of all those flight deals going on right now...
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