The Poetry of Science: Exploring The Bones of Mars

A weight lingers on red dust –
half-wheels and net-veils,
their shroud sewn
into the stone’s hush.
The ash-ghosts of flame wings
mark unbroken passages –
trail-lines pressed
by silent machines.
Each crash-frag
and discarded tether
spreads across
the skin-mirror,
etching our map
of priceless debris.
These fragments,
once tool-spirits,
now rest
as wanderer bones –
an amassed archive
left to unravel
with the winds.

This poem is inspired by recent research, which explores the emerging archaeological record of Mars.

Human exploration of Mars has left a growing legacy of artefacts, debris, and tracks on its surface. Since the first successful mission in 1971, this material – including landers, rovers, and even discarded items like netting and wheel fragments – has accumulated across the planet. While some view this as ‘space trash’, it also represents humanity’s early steps in planetary exploration, documenting our technological achievements and cultural impact on another world. As this material faces risks from natural processes and future missions, questions arise about how to balance its preservation with ongoing exploration.

This research explores the idea of treating Mars’s artefacts and sites as an archaeological record, framing them as part of humanity’s collective heritage rather than mere debris. The researchers emphasise the need to document and protect these sites, arguing that they offer valuable insights into our technological and cultural history as a species. They call for collaboration between planetary scientists and archaeologists to develop strategies for preserving this unique legacy, which is at risk of permanent loss. By recognising the significance of these materials, this research underscores the importance of integrating cultural preservation into future Mars missions.