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Death on Mars: The Discovery of a Planetary Nuclear Massacre

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New proof of a nuclear catastrophe on Mars! In an epic story of discovery, strong evidence is presented for a dead civilization on Mars and the shocking reason for its an ancient planetary-scale nuclear massacre leaving isotopic traces of vast explosions that endure to our present age. The story told by a wide range of Mars data is now clear. Mars was once Earth-like in climate, with an ocean and rivers, and for a long period became home to both plant and animal life, including a humanoid civilization. Then, for unfathomable reasons, a massive thermo-nuclear explosion ravaged the centers of the Martian civilization and destroyed the biosphere of the planet. But the story does not end there. This tragedy may explain Fermi's Paradox, the fact that the cosmos, seemingly so fertile and with so many planets suitable for life, is as silent as a graveyard. We must immediately send astronauts to Mars to maximize our knowledge of what happened there, and learn how to avoid Mars' fate. Includes an 8-page color section.

362 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2012

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John Brandenburg

10 books7 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Kitap.
793 reviews34 followers
May 16, 2016
Ugh.

"New proof of a nuclear catastrophe on Mars!" = Blah blah blah grad school Cold War ex-wife Albuquerque blah blah H-bomb blah blah plasma physics blah blah science as business blah blah academic conspiracies blah blah Face on Mars blah blah Carl Sagan blah blah hostility from colleagues blah blah Xenon isotopes blah blah frame angles blah blah spacefaring humanity blah blah cosmic Jesus.

Here is the "proof" mustered by the author: there may have been water and bacterial life on Mars, a few blurry photos from space showed what looked likea face (at least until later, better pictures were taken), and the ratio of a particular xenon isotope in Martian rocks is similar to that found in nuke sites on Earth. Ergo a humanoid civilization on Mars was wiped out by a nuclear attack on the part of a second, technologically superior species. Seriously. The author finds this conclusive and continually describes it as the simplest hypothesis based on all the data!!

If only I were kidding:
Based on the widespread evidence for a geologically long period of Earthlike condition on Mars and evidence for life on Mars, the author concludes that the civilization was indigenous to Mars and perished during some catastrophe that collapsed Mars' climate system. Evidence that this catastrophe may have been a nuclear holocaust is also present, suggesting that the Mars civilization reached high levels of technology, though it's [sic] overall appearance is of a primitive bronze Age civilization. This latter conflict between evidence for nuclear weapon technology and yet primitive civilization of the other, means that hostile technological agencies extrinsic to Mars may be implicated in the Red Planet's demise. (p. 234)

Full disclosure: I wasn't expecting to read a book that would actually convince me of a pretty out-there hypothesis, but I was at least hoping to be entertained by some interesting ideas. This book wasted dozens of pages on personal reminiscence that should have been kept personal, while taking serious pains to avoid making a substantial case. Or even a circumstantial case, frankly.

By the end of the book (I am generous; most folks would've pre-decided this based on the mere fact of the book's existence) I determined that the author has some... issues.
244 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2017
The author is an amazing genius, the only one of his ilk to speak the truth. Or, he's a wingnut. You decide.

An advanced humanoid civilization on Mars was destroyed by another advanced alien civilization, somewhere between a quarter and a half billion years ago. It was done by planet-busting sized nukes. We need to get some archaeologists there ASAP, learn what we can, and, oh, by the way, colonize the heck out of the place so we're not sitting ducks, should the bad guys revisit this part of space.

If you can live through the (pretty whiny) career narrative, you can figure out that the author is a really smart physicist. If you can deal with the repetitive presentation of facts and pictures, which could have been presented in a book about a quarter the length of this one, you should come away with at least some questions, if not some ideas for some pretty cool SF stories. Oh, wait -- Martian Chronicles has already been written. Planets have already been destroyed in Star Wars.

Still, you night find some of the speculation interesting. Or not.
3 reviews
April 12, 2020
Suggestive

The data presented here is certainly suggestive. Amy single item alone could be dismissed, but the data combined certainly pushes the envelope of mere coincidence. However, it's still suggestive. The author's most important point stands,which is more investigation is needed. The hypothesis proposed is one model, but it is incorrect to assume that only one known cause would result in the present situation. Breaking the sound barrier was considered impossible by science until it was done. Therefore, while the current interpretation certainly has merit, we must be open minded that further data will reveal alternatives. Or prove the current hypothesis. Either way data is required. I have no doubt at least microbial life exists on Mars today, based on extremophiles we find on earth today, and only human arrogance would presume we are the only intelligent life to have ever developed in 13.5 billion years. All to say we should be open minded to anything the data really presents, and not filter based on preconceived notions.
Profile Image for Deadre.
1 review
January 12, 2021
Shocking information!

I was shocked at the evidence for past life on Mars and its possible demise via nuclear holocaust and meteor strike!
However, the book needs editing for missing words and repetition of them info.
Profile Image for Rose Crouchman.
15 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2021
Technical manual

The book was not made to read by a layman. It was too technical and repetitive to have an easy flow of reading. I got the gist but sadly it could have been written as a Tec Manual.
Profile Image for Debbie Mcclelland.
143 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2017
Very interesting scenario!

Very technical in places for those not well versed in higher chemistry, but the message the author brings is easy to follow, and definitely awakens your thought processes! I have wondered why so much emphasis has been placed on Mars rather than a permanent presence on the moon, which would certainly be easier/cheaper. This author's well-researched data, as well as scientific, spiritual, and personal history provide a solid base from which he expounds his startling theory.

I am so glad I bought this book!
1 review
December 15, 2016
Must read on mars

Well formed arguments for historical earth like environment on mars and disturbing evidence for its unnatural demise. Good images. Author succeeds in popular description of technical evidence for general consumption. Isotopic evidence compelling. Would have given five stars but found political theme a bit unnecessary though it does have implications for future disclosure.
Profile Image for debbie rayas.
8 reviews
May 1, 2016
Intriguing hypothesis

The idea that Mars was destroyed by a nuclear weapon from outer space was startling, but if the author's science is right he seemed to have the proof. Since I'm not a scientist I wouldn't know. I think the book would have been better if it wasn't so redundant with scientific jargon.
Profile Image for Paul Rose.
22 reviews
June 10, 2023
Would like to know if Dr. Brandenburg maintains his conviction regarding the fate of Mars, or if any developments since publication have caused him to reconsider. If he has reconsidered, it makes me question the veracity of science because science based on facts does not change, but minds can, and is not influenced by popular opinion.
278 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2015
Thought-provoking

I heard the author speak on late-night radio and had to read this book. I found the conclusions to be logical and well supported. I am contemplating reading "Cosmic Jesus."

We better get back to doing the important things as a nation.
286 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2024
I thought this was well thought out and written clearly the author is assimilate about his ideas. The book was interesting and I quite enjoyed reading it. .
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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