Life on Mars.

If it had been posted on April 1, I'd have marked it off as an elaborate April Fool's prank. But given the fact that wacky billionaire Richard Branson's behind it (the man who dared to believe in space tourism and - even more shocking - an airline that treats coach customers like people), I give full credence to the proposition, found here, that within 100 years there will be a fully-operational colony on Mars.

How, you ask? Well, someone's been watching Joss Whedon, because the answer is simple: terraforming. Specifically, they plan to introduce "halo-carbon gases (CFCs) and water vapour into the atmosphere, in part with energy concentrated from mirrors manufactured on the Martian moon of Phobos" in order to promote plant life that will eventually moisten the planet enough to support life. It sounds a little like Project Genesis from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. All they really need is some groovy narration by Leonard Nimoy. (And yes, I'm aware that referencing two science-fiction masterpieces in one paragraph labels me as a nerd, but I'm okay with that. In fact, I revel in it. I'm daring like that.)

Interested in being part of this brave new world? You can sign up to join "Mission Control," including doing fun jobs like designing space-friendly housing or the "Utility Space Pod." Engineering not your speed? Want to take things a little further? You can sign up to be a part of the colonizing community. You can even take an online quiz to test your "pioneering potential." I would, but considering half my wagon always seems to die before I reach Oregon City, I doubt I'm pioneering stuff.

Is it possible that this is all one elaborate advertisement for Virgin Galactic, Branson's space tourism venture? Planting a colony on another planet sure would give him a monopoly on getting there. Personally, I think he's been watching a little too much Firefly. But hey, Richard, if you happen to see Wash out there in the black, let me know. I'll sign up in a heartbeat.

cue Firefly theme song..."Take me out to the black, tell them I ain't comin' back...