Product Description
What would it be like to visit Mars—to explore the distinctive, untouched terrain that inspired astronomers and stirred so many sci-fi writers’ imaginations? Two highly capable robotic geologists—Spirit and Opportunity—made that amazing voyage, and spent the last four years roaming the Red Planet’s unique landscape. Thanks to 120 stunning 3-D and color images shot by these rovers, we can come along—and right now, it’s the closest we can get to actually setting foot on Mars. These super-realistic pictures pop off the page, allowing us to see for ourselves the rocks, craters, valleys, and other geologic configurations that define the Martian terrain. Compelling and accessible text guides us on this exhilarating tour, revealing the thrill of each discovery, along with the perils and near misses. Featuring a fold-out flap with embedded 3-D viewer (which actually allows customers to view the three-dimensional images right in the store), it’s the perfect gift for any armchair astronomer. "Jim Bell takes us on an extraordinary journey across often mysterious, sometimes perilous, and always fascinating Martian terrain. A must-read for anyone who's ever dreamed of exploring the Red Planet."--Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 astronaut "See this other world like no one before you could. . . make discoveries that fiction writers only dream about!"--Bill Nye, "The Science Guy," and member of the Mars team "Bell has accomplished the impossible—he has brought the surface of Mars down to Earth."--Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural history Author of The Pluto Files "Experience Mars as never before . . . the next best thing to going there."--Ann Druyan, co-writer COSMOS, co-creator, Contact “These images transport us Earthlings to new depths of Martian discoveries.”--Dava Sobel, author, Longitude and Galileo's Daughter

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 4 reviews)

Mars 3D by P. H. Tung MD

3 Stars
June 10, 2009
I have several of Jim Bell's books and they were all very well done. This one however left me wondering why the publisher used this format of 3-D. It is very inconvenient to use and unless the book is placed on a flat surface at eye level, one has to fiddle with the 3-D lenses and the photo. The content is interesting and allows the viewer to see Mars as if one were there and the explanation/description is informative. Were it not for the arrangement of the 3-D lenses, I would have rated this 4-1/2 stars. Likewise the same format was used for his publication of the Moon in 3-D. Unfortunate. Paul

Mars 3D Falls Flat by David A. Gustafson (Bellingham, WA)

2 Stars
June 08, 2009
While superior in some ways to the horrible Moon 3D book, which I ordered at the same time, I have similar problems with Mars 3D. The viewer is awkward to use and seems imbalanced in color density. Many of the views appear to be off-register and do not work...there simply is no depth to them. The two books are terrible examples of 3d photography. I forced myself to look through both books and then threw them away.

Incredible fun by mfx3 (Virginia)

5 Stars
December 05, 2008
This is one of the more ingenious and creative books I've seen in a long time. Chock full of great facts and information about the Mars rovers, the Mars project, and Mars itself. The photos are the real gem, though. Built-in 3D glasses fold out from an inside-cover flap and transport you to the surface of Mars via a ton of 3D images (acquired by the rovers). Mars is, needless to say, both alien and mesmerizing. Truly one of the most enjoyable astronomy books on the market for kids and adults. Great fun.

Mars Uncovered by Joseph S. Maresca (Bronxville, New York USA)

5 Stars
November 02, 2008
This is a fascinating book on the planet Mars. There are a plethora of full color pictures, multi-colored rocks and variable length craters. The Martian tropics are 50 degrees by day and -220 degrees by night. Tremendous winds on Mars could support windmill energy and keep solar panels clean in perpetuity. Scientists would be required to sort out the practical details of transmitting electrical energy from Mars to the Earth without incurring too much cost. The engineering mean time between component failures would have to be worked out because Mars is a great distance from the Earth for routine maintenance purposes. Although, robots could perform some maintenance functions in the future. The Gusev Crater Plains have dusty dunes and miles of variable rock sizes. Bluer soil contains deposits with increased salty sulfur minerals and silica - rich soil. Rocks are pitted from years of sandblasting by the wind. There is extensive wind-carved volcanic rock which conjures up the possibility of geothermal energy. Traces of water abound. i.e. o evaporated ancient salt and water stains o geologic evidence for rainfall, lakes and glaciers o weatherization of rocks o evidence of significant water processes on the Gusev Crater The acquisition would make a perfect gift for the scientifically inclined.

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