Clifton, Mark 1906-1963 creator Finlay, Virgil 1914-1971 text utu 2023 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "HANG HEAD, VANDAL!" by Mark Clifton is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book explores the ethical implications of scientific discovery and human action as humanity attempts a nuclear experiment on Mars, an ostensibly lifeless planet. It raises questions about the consequences of such actions, particularly regarding the potential destruction of alien life and habitats in the pursuit of knowledge. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of a communications officer and the project's leader, Dr. VanDam, as they embark on Project Slow-Burn. Their goal is to test their nuclear theories by converting the Martian landscape into a source of continuous energy. However, the experiment inadvertently reveals a hidden civilization on Mars, comprised of miniature beings. The sudden realization of the destruction they are causing leads to feelings of guilt and horror among the crew. As the team grapples with the consequences of their actions, they choose to abandon the project and retreat to Earth, leaving a haunting sense of lost innocence and moral responsibility. The story serves as a poignant commentary on humanity's capacity for destruction under the guise of progress. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2023-11-21 Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net Originally published: New York, NY: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, 1962 Science fiction Short stories Mars (Planet) -- Fiction Experiments -- Fiction PS New York, NY: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, 1962 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/72192 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/72192 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134653.0 72192