To Mars! And Hurry!

Does anyone remember?

That message. Published and read in the 1950's.

That author wrote that. Author said he received then the last message from Mars. The Martians sent a message that they were the last and were holed up. Send help fast. They would not survive much longer. Now, it is coming up to 70 years after.

Does anyone remember?  Might anyone remember the author's name?

How did the earthlings respond? Post haste? Slovenly?

After more than 69 years (our solar cycle), there are rovers on Mars. And recently, evidence came back that there probably is water on Mars.* That a recent rover picture of a fold of land indicates a layer of water sodden soil very close to the surface, perhaps just under the top soil. Something a lifeform could tap or is this, too, contrived? (Send help, and hurry!)

That finding is at but only one spot on the planet. The instruments on Mars from Earth for over 20 years are still set only to explore for conditions of life. Not to detect if there is lifeform there.

People still talk about another fictive author, Dr. Carl Sagan. They are amused by him.

In the future, (aww, the future that holds promises!) when it is Earthling's turn to send out a help message to any that might be around, what should the response to that be?

Post haste, slovenly?  Maybe not at all?

*Another very recent report indicates presence on Mars of ice walls over 110ft. in height. It is believed exposed by soil erosion. Many small microbes and tiny creatures on Earth can live under those conditions of Mars.