Ridley Scott, director of the 20th Century Fox film “The Martian”, based on author Andy Weir’s book of the same name, reflects on the long-term personal and wide-ranging human fascination with Mars and how NASA’s exploration of the Red Planet is helping to turn science fiction into science fact.

Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.