Do we need a song for space? Rise to Mars! will help people to imagine living on another planet, says one musician. But is a new national anthem for Mars really a good idea?
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And now for a new national anthem – for Mars
Do we need a song for space? Rise to Mars! will help people to imagine living on another planet, says one musician. But is a new national anthem for Mars really a good idea?
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"Rise to Mars, men and women. Dare to dream! Dare to strive! Build a home for our children! Make this desert come alive!"
These are the words of a new national anthemA country's national song, often sung at major civic ceremonies and sometimes at sporting events. In many countries it is expected that everyone present will stand while it is performed. Protesting against a national anthem, by kneeling rather than standing, or by refusing to sing it, can be a powerful, and often controversial, way of making a point. for Mars.
The anthem was written by a musician for the Mars Society. The group wants people to live on Mars one day.
They believe that if people listen to the song, it will help them to imagine a future in a place far away from Earth. It will make them excited about living on Mars.
It may be a while before Rise to Mars! is sung on Mars. NasaThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme. plans to send astronautsSomeone who travels on a rocket into space. to Mars by the early 2040s. Elon Musk's company SpaceX wants to send people to Mars before that, in 2029.
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But living on Mars - where it can be -150C - will not be easy.
Do we need a song for space?
Yes! The song will help the first people who live on Mars to feel like they are truly at home. And Rise to Mars! is a catchy song.
No! You do not need a song to know a country or planet is your home. We should get rid of national anthems on Earth - not write new ones.
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Keywords
National anthem - A country's national song, often sung at major civic ceremonies and sometimes at sporting events. In many countries it is expected that everyone present will stand while it is performed. Protesting against a national anthem, by kneeling rather than standing, or by refusing to sing it, can be a powerful, and often controversial, way of making a point.
Nasa - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme.
Astronauts - Someone who travels on a rocket into space.
And now for a new national anthem – for Mars
Another planet: Oscar Castellino (above) was born in a car on a street in Mumbai. ©BBC Glossary
National anthem - A country's national song, often sung at major civic ceremonies and sometimes at sporting events. In many countries it is expected that everyone present will stand while it is performed. Protesting against a national anthem, by kneeling rather than standing, or by refusing to sing it, can be a powerful, and often controversial, way of making a point.
Nasa - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme.
Astronauts - Someone who travels on a rocket into space.