When my boys were younger and smaller, so that I carried them more often, at night I would hold them up to the sky and point out Mars.  I don't know if they were able to follow the path from my finger to the reddish light, but I did it anyway.  The red planet is so romantic.  Its mystery is a vehicle for adventure, hope and progress.  No matter how many NASA photos I see of the vacant desert, I can't help but think ancient ruins lie just beyond the horizon. 

If we ever reach Mars, will the Asteroid Belt or Jupiter take its place?  Or will Alpha Centauri be the next frontier?