The Red Planet has fascinated us for centuries. Even as we learn more, its mysteries keep us in suspense. 

This year Perseverance, NASA's latest Mars rover, landed on the surface of our dusty cosmic neighbour. Its landing came accompanied by a dazzling array of firsts: first video landing, first sound from the surface, the most high-definition images ever to return to Earth. But with every new view of Mars, the intrigue about the once very different planet only deepens. 

In this edition of National Geographic, journey through the history of our fascination with Mars – from our first blurry sight, to the very latest in the technology no exploring the Red Planet's present, past – and potential human future.     

Also in the March edition of National Geographic:

Exonerated from death row following the lives of those who facing execution due to miscarriages of justice which came to light in time. 

Kashmir the complex history of a conflict in one of the most spectacular places on Earth.

Dog racing has the sport finally had its day?   

Plus:

The semantics of disaster
Ukraine's ‘Train ladies’
Magnificent Utah

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