Is There Life on Mars? - Carl Sagan's 1977 Christmas Lectures - Lecture 5

Explore the groundbreaking Viking mission to Mars in this captivating lecture by renowned astronomer Carl Sagan. Delve into the design, launch, and accomplishments of this pivotal chapter in planetary exploration. Examine the stunning yet enigmatic results from Viking's photography, chemical analysis, and microbiological testing of the Martian surface. Investigate the conflicting data that suggested either the presence of microbiological life or non-biological processes occurring in Martian soil. Gain insights into the enduring question of life on Mars, which remains unanswered even decades after subsequent rover missions. Part of Sagan's 1977 Christmas Lectures series, this talk offers a fascinating look at our understanding of the Red Planet and the search for extraterrestrial life.