Life on Mars BOMBSHELL: How scientist found 'canals built by ancient civilisation'
LIFE on Mars was actually discovered by an astronomer more than 100 years ago, who wildly claimed he could see evidence of “artificially built canals” on the Red Planet, a podcast revealed.
Mars: Experts discuss 'ancient civilisation' theory
Giovanni Schiaparelli was an Italian scientist who spent more than 40 years working at the Brera Observatory in Milan. In 1887, Mr Schiaparelli fuelled rumours of life on Mars after initially observing “seas and continents” using a telescope. However, he took his claims one step further in the coming year, when he told the King of Italy he had uncovered “canalis”, translating to “canals” in English.
This was a bombshell find at the time as, in order to have canals on the Red Planet, they would have to have been constructed by living beings.
John Zarnecki, Professor of Space Science at the Open University, detailed the claim on Radio 4’s “In Our Time” podcast.
He said in 2007: “Schiaparelli made his observations of what he first called ‘canali’ and gave a presentation to the then King of Italy.
“He revealed if he had a bigger and better telescope he would be able to see even more.
But the interest that came from the claim was the word ‘canali’ which can mean ‘channels’ or ’canals’
“I think he had a telescope with a lens of maybe 15 or 20 inches.”
Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University, revealed why the discovery was so important and led many to believe life had been found.
She added on the same podcast: “That is the kind of telescope he had – it is still capable of making observations today, but ‘I could do more if I had a bigger telescope’ is the biggest strain of astronomers.
“The interest that came from the claim was the word ‘canali’ which can mean ‘channels’ or ’canals’.
“A channel is natural, a canal is artificial, and so if you had canals there must have been a civilisation digging them.
“The observations went on to inspire huge maps showing these canals and showing how an ancient civilisation could have lived there.
However, Ms Grady revealed astronomers now know his claims were false.
She continued: “Unfortunately his telescope was not good enough to see these were not features on Mars, but actually dust storms and dust clouds.
“That’s why they appeared to change as when the seasons change, the wind changes."