That Mars Is Inhabited, scientists are convinced, and for years efforts to communicate with the planet, 35,000,000 miles away, have been made without avail.
That communication between our world and the Martians will one day be established, however, Is practically agreed, writes D. S. Landis, a noted scientist. Following the death of an army officer-scientist there came to light papers dealing with Interplanetary communication, which suggest a way of putting Into execution the long dream of the scientific world.
This officer knew that a rifle ball driven by army powder traveled 1,000 feet per second, and the projectiles of large cannon much faster. But they fell after a time, due to the attraction of the earth.
He estimated that If a projectile could be fired that would travel 20,300 feet per second it would overcome gravity and travel round the earth at a fixed height, returning to its starting place In one hour and twenty-three minutes.
Going farther, he learned that If a velocity of 87,000 feet per second was achieved, the projectile fired from a cannon on the world’s pinnacle would putts straight into space, escape the earth’s attraction, and instead of falling to the earth, would drop upon the planet nearest It at the time.
This theory, If executed, would make communication with Mars possible. A speed of 37,000 feet per second is not Impossible. When the gun and explosive capable of such velocity are discovered, scientists can drop a projectile upon Mars, beyond doubt.
A non-fusible projectile, partially hollowed, could carry messages from this world to any toward which it was directed. The motions of the earth and Mars being known, It would require but little calculation to so fire the projectile that It would, when stopped, be attracted toward its intended destination.
Originally published January 24, 1908