I. Give the English equivalents of the following phrases:

• невидимая обратная сторона;

• вид поверхности Луны;

• характеристика почвы;

• долгие, детальные исследования;

• магнитное поле намного слабее;

• делает возможным измерение расстояния;

• иметь другой состав;

• камеры дальнего слежения;

• представить химический анализ;

• изучение лунной поверхности;

II. Match the words with their definitions:

1. surface a) examining of smth. thoroughly in order to test it or find out about it;

2. exploration b) an instrument for detecting earthquakes;

3. soil c) a method of doing or performing smth.;

4. particle d) a particular task done by a person or a group;

5. seismometer e) the outside part of smth.;

6. laser f) any of various types of small pieces of matter of which atoms are composed;

7. technique g) a device that produces a narrow, intense and highly controlled beam of light;

8. mission h) the upper layer of earth in which plants, trees, etc. grow;

III. Make up your own sentences with the given word combinations:

- lunar surface;

- numerous discoveries;

- each month;

- laser reflection;

- physical characteristics;

- to measure a distance;

- remotely controlled cameras;

IV. What other information do you know about the Moon exploration and its surface? Find some extra facts and make a short presentation in your group.

Why astronomers believe that on Mars there can be a life?

As you know, scientists carry out various experiments on search of a life in the universe. Naturally, it is easier to investigate our Solar system in searches of a life, than to study a space. Some scientists count, that one of places where can be any form of a life, Mars is.

Why they have chosen Mars? Mars count the double of our Earth. On distance up to the Sun Mars follows the Earth. Its diameter is half less terrestrial and Mars makes one revolution around of the Sun almost for two years. But duration of Martian day almost coincides with terrestrial.

At supervision of Mars astronomers have noted details, testifying that on Mars there can be any forms of a life. First, on Mars, as well as on the Earth, there are seasons. And it is valid, with revolution of the season, changes on a surface of a planet are observed. In the spring and in the summer dark sites of a surface even much more darker, their colour from bluish-green turns in yellow. Perhaps, it is vegetation?

Under forecasts of astronomers, the atmosphere of a planet contains a small amount water pairs that can promote development of a life. In 1887 of Giovanny Skiaparelly, the Italian astronomer, has declared that it observed something reminding channels on a surface of Mars. Whether “Martians could construct them to receive water in droughty areas from polar areas?” – Scientists asked a question.

In 1976 two American devices “Vikings” have made landing on a surface of a planet. With the help of the equipment taken place onboard space vehicles, the ground in searches of traces of a life was investigated, and results were transferred to the Earth. These researches have shown that it is possible the presence of microorganisms in the ground and the Martian ground is absolutely not similar to terrestrial. If there is also a life on Mars it’s in a very primitive form.