CHAPTER II – Population Centers, Temperatures and Climate

In Chapter II of “The Planet Mars and Its Inhabitants,” Mars is depicted as a world that, despite its smaller size compared to Earth (with a diameter of 4,200 miles), boasts a larger habitable land area, supporting a population of about 13.16 billion people. This contrast with Earth’s 1.645 billion is attributed to Mars lacking vast oceans, utilizing nearly its entire surface, save for some swamp areas and polar caps, for habitation and agriculture. The extensive canal network, visible from Earth through telescopes, facilitates an advanced form of intensive farming, surpassing terrestrial techniques.

Martian climate varies substantially from Earth’s, despite severe winters with temperatures dropping to 80 degrees below zero, the longer Martian year—687 days—allows for extended periods of mild weather during spring, summer, and autumn. This climate enables Martians to harvest multiple crops within these seasons, ensuring no scarcity of food. Unlike Earth, where irrigation often involves flooding, Martian farming practices are adapted to their planet’s conditions, including a lighter atmosphere and rapid evaporation, relying heavily on dewfall rather than extensive flooding.

Mars’s atmosphere presents challenges for human habitation due to its low air pressure (8 pounds per square inch versus Earth’s 15), necessitating evolved Martian physiology capable of thriving in this environment without unusually developed lungs. This adaptation underscores a central theme of divine providence and efficient resource utilization, highlighting Martian society’s affinity for economy where every inch of land is cultivated for maximal yield.

Furthermore, Mars enjoys an equable climate with no extreme windstorms, lightning, or magnetic disturbances, reflecting the peaceful, harmonious existence of its inhabitants. This tranquility extends to the planet’s weather, characterized by clear skies, rare rainstorms, and gentle zephyrs. In contrast to Earth’s more turbulent environment, Mars represents a serene, bountiful world where intensive farming and a unified societal approach contribute to a stable, abundant life for its people, illustrating both the challenges and innovations of living on the Red Planet.