Could Mars really be transformed into a blue planet like Earth? It is a tantalising prospect. In response to growing calls for the advancement of technology in Hong Kong and China - and in keeping with the school's exhortation to 'to align with science and technology' - YCIS Hong Kong teamed up with the Hong Kong STEM Education Alliance for an unusual event. Star billing went to Professor Ouyang Ziyuan, the 'father' of the Chang'e lunar project and a leading light at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, who engaged students in a lively discussion on space exploration through a vivid and instructive holographic appearance.
Held on 3 November, the signature event, titled 'The Dream of Terraforming Mars into a Blue Planet', explored a novel science frontier - the reshaping of a distant planet into a life-sustaining Earth.
Human curiosity has grown in pace with the rapid development of deep space exploration. During the lecture, the professor used graphics and everyday examples to offer scientific evidence gleaned from our quest to explore the evolution of the universe.
"China has the potential to expand its deep space capabilities," said Prof Ouyang, "and exploration of the solar system is gathering speed."
He went on: "The possibility of life on Mars is a subject of great interest in astrobiology due to that planet's proximity to Earth and several similarities. Having said that, concrete evidence of life on the Red Planet has yet to be found.
"The idea of 'terraforming' Mars and serious discussions over the technicalities could potentially see the Red Planet become a sibling of Planet Earth."
The professor concluded his presentation by encouraging students to consider a career in science to help realise the vision of today's scientists.
'The Dream of Terraforming Mars into a Blue Planet' was part the Hong Kong STEM Education Alliance's third anniversary celebrations. The event was co-hosted by the Computer Network Information Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Science Expo, the College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, the STEAM Education and Research Centre, Lingnan University, and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers. Hologram specialist ARHT Media provided technical support.
