The amusing part is that we already have plans to settle down on the Moon and now with the NASA Curiosity rover nosing around Mars for any signs of life, the idea to set up a human colony on that planet doesn’t seem that far either.

The pertinent question is that if our beliefs in astrology continue and the science also keeps progressing, which one would prevail, one can already visualise some interesting scenarios: For example, a weak Mangal is supposed to make a person prone to anger bouts and poor health. Does that mean that those who visit Mars or settle there would become calmer beings filled with inner peace and not falling sick for a day. As a corollary, if anybody has been sick for long and visits the doctor, the interaction could go on pretty much like this:

Doctor: I think what you need most is a change in your life to relieve all that stress. Why don’t you go on a vacation?

Patient: Oh, I had been planning one since long, but every time some work assignments spoil things.

Doctor: Why don’t you make a trip to Mars? That would take you away from ‘earthly’ matters and your Mangal will also become stronger. It’s a win-win situation.

Patient: Awesome idea, doc. I will just pack my bags and leave. In fact, my cousin’s friend lives there, so maybe I could stay over at his place and then tour the planet.

Doctor: Excellent plan.

Just imagine!

In fact, while one is at it, why not visualise life on the Moon too. That could be even more interesting. The lunar phases are said to affect our moods and even the tides. Would that mean mood swings would be a thing of past for the moon-dwellers? Imagine a person residing on the moon calling his friend on the Earth. The conversation could go on like this:

Moon-dweller: Hey! I see an asteroid coming your way…

Earthling: What???

Moon-dweller: Just joking. I am in a playful mood today.

Earthling: You gave me quite a shock. Anyway, I am in a cranky mood today and it’s your moon-home which is affecting me. Oh God, I may end up with a migraine now.

Moon-dweller: Come on now. If, you ask me, the Earth looks quite cool from here. Not a cloud in the atmosphere. So just chill and enjoy.

Earthling: So, when do you plan to come down for our buddy-party? You have been putting that off for quite a long time.

Moon-dweller: Well, on a blue moon day, may be!

Endless possibilities. But, for sure, life would never be the same again.

I remember reading an interview of Rakesh Sharma – an Indian Air Force pilot who was part of a space mission way back in 1984 – where he had mentioned how villagers touched him after his return from the trip to ‘outer world’ just to ensure that he was still ‘human’.

In future, if the humans actually settle down on Mars/ Moon, and if they ever get nostalgic and miss their dear old planet, they could just peep out their windows and the Earth would be shining in the sky. Quite a role-reversal that, and one, which may need shrinks specialising in interstellar rehabilitation. After all, wherever humans may go, their emotions would remain the same. Don’t you think so?