I remember that when I was in the 5th grade we had a book in the school about the solar system and explained that very thing about the canals on Mars and that the canals were seasonal and it even gave illustrations of the 4 seasons fading as the winter approached and reappeared during the spring, became darker green in the summer. Later, when I learned NASA reported " No canals on Mars" I was shocked :eek: .
Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Boards, Andy A, we’re glad you found us. When you start a thread, it’s helpful to other readers if you provide a link to the column in question. Saves search time and helps keep us all on the same page. In this case, I assume it’s http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/421/whatever-happened-to-the-canals-of-mars
No biggie, you’ll know for next time, and, as I say, welcome!