In the rather epic video that accompanies the recent SpaceX vision for interplanetary travel and colonization, it's the last few seconds that are perhaps the most intriguing. As the planet Mars spins on its axis we're given a peek into a future where this dry, cold, dusty world starts to transform into a place of a different hue, with standing water and perhaps a hint of green.
The idea of re-engineering a planet - terraforming it - is not new, and not for the faint-of-heart. But given the audacity and success of many of Elon Musk's projects, the notion that we might alter Mars to better suit us is at least worth some reconsideration.
Best laid plans of Musk and men. To read more, click here.