I squat down on a beautiful carpet in Abu Yussuf's Bedouin camp. Literally, his name means "father of Yussuf" because male Bedouins get the name of their eldest son as soon as they become a father, and Abu Yussuf's eldest son is called...Yussuf. The discovery of alien life would arguably represent the most significant discovery in the history of humanity. Most of the galaxy will likely forever remain out of our reach, but we may only need to peer across to our neighbouring planet to find it, according to the Natural History Museum. The potential presence of liquid water on Mars could mean that the conditions at one time were sufficient to allow for the emergence of microbial life, according to NASA. Extremophile bacteria live near hydrothermal vents on Earth, and may provide clues as to how life could exist on other worlds. (Image credit: NASA) Witness Tubes

Afterwards, you will go to the tiny village of Colchani (salt miners' workshops next to the Salt Flats) to visit the factories and see the traditional means of table salt production. You will then be taken to the great Salt Flat of Uyuni (Salar de Uyuni), where you first will see the salt mining, and the piles of salt (pyramids of salt). After this, you will go to see the Eyes of the Salt. These are big holes in the salt flat, from which bursts out water at high pressure (this water comes from beneath this dead lake). Scientists believe that although Mars currently does not have a magnetic field and so is unprotected from the sun’s barrage of charged sterilising particles, it may have done so in the past. Starting in the late 1700s, British astronomer William Herschel made some early scientific observations of Mars with a telescope, and he noted that Mars had darker areas, which he believed to be oceans, and lighter regions, which he thought were continents like those on Earth. A luxurious camp in Wadi Rum, for those who wish for a little bit more comfort in the desert. Frits Meyst / WideOyster.com From the Red Planet Expedition office, you will depart at 11:00 am in a 4x4 Toyota land cruiser. You will head to the train’s graveyard to see the first locomotives in Bolivia. Have your camera ready for some cool photos!The uniqueness of Earth’s core allows it to generate a magnetic field that protects us from solar winds, allowing us to keep water,” said Dr Geology Nicholas Schmerr, from the University of Maryland, and a co-author of the paper. Hamad looks at the sky and points to the distance. Haboob, he says. Bright sky, twinkling stars. I see nothing that points to a sandstorm. But the Bedouins read the sky and sand. Maybe he is right, I think, while I pull the blanket over my head.

There are several types of hydrated minerals on Mars from clays and carbonates to a great diversity of sulfates and chlorides, Fairen said. We had a rather unique itinerary. If you'd like to follow in our footsteps, drop us a line at [email protected]. Although the surface of Mars is presently cold and dry, plenty of evidence suggests that the red planet was once partly covered with water. Researchers have theorized that life might have evolved on Mars when it was wet, and life could even be there now, hidden in subterranean aquifers.Accommodation: "Corales de Sal" in Villa Candelaria (private rooms) and "Yoselin hotel" in Colchani (rainy season).10 Bs extra for a hot shower.

NASA's Mariner 9 was the first mission to successfully orbit Mars, according to the agency. Reaching its target in 1971, Mariner 9 studied a large dust storm that engulfed most of the planet. The Viking 1 and 2 landers were the first human-made objects to make it to the Red Planet's surface and survive for more than a few minutes, when they reached the Martian land in 1976, according to The Planetary Society. From the surface, they proceeded to take photos and data readings of their surroundings, as well as conduct the first search for life on the planet. The possibility that there were once oceans and rivers on Mars is fairly well established. Observations suggest that there could have been water on the surface as recently as 2 billion years ago.Place ingredients with 10 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep at least two hours, preferably overnight. I have heard and read awful stories about the drivers being drunk, and terrible car accidents happening? The entrance fees for the attractions will not be covered. On a 3D/2N tour, the cost will be Bs180 in total (Bs150 for the Eduardo Avaroa National Park, and Bs30 for the Isla del Pescado). For the full day tour, the additional fees will be Bs30. Also, if you would like a hot shower on the first night, there will be an additional cost of approx. Bs15. Make sure you bring small change for bathrooms along the way.