Why is this more exciting than a Mission to Mars?

The idea of sending astronauts to Mars has never really excited me, and I am a huge space buff, Apollo mission fanatic, SF aficianado, and just about everything this side of believing in UFOs.

But this, this is exciting ... "Pictured: The First Known Planet Orbiting a Sun-Like Star?"

Comments

[Mike L.]

I too have always been interested in anything involving outer space. Both a mission to mars and the first known planet orbiting a sun like star are significant events in human astronomical development. I think the reason that the first planet orbiting a sun like star is more exciting is because it lies in the long run of space development, whereas a mission to mars, relative, is only in the short run. Yes, it will be a great accomplishment when (if ever) humans can land and inhabit Mars, including propulsion, sustainability, psychology, etc. It is though a much greater discovery to possibly find a similar solar system to ours, one that could answer so many more questions than just the mission to mars (origins, other life, how unique are we actually, etc).

I think the reason you think its cooler is because you are smart enough to recognize the significance of the long run over the short run.

Both very cool in the end though.

Mike