The recent discovery of water on the moon must have got the geeks at NASA thinking: What is the next generation going to explore once everyone on the moon colony is drinking Lunar Perrier? The answer is, of course, the red planet -- Mars. Yes, NASA has decided man would prefer a dusty ball of ice over that toxic sauna called Venus.

And in an effort with Microsoft called, "Be a Martian," there's a pathway to Martian citizenship that seems loads easier than getting into America. Ride in on one of those KidKraft Deluxe Glow-in-the-Dark Space Train Stations because all you need is a computer for this real-life fantasy.

NASA hopes "citizen scientists" will work in the virtual site to improve Martian maps, take part in research tasks, and assist Mars science teams studying data (at a time when Mars rover is trying to become un-stuck).

Said Doug McCuistion of NASA: "With so much data coming back from Mars missions that are accessible by all, exploring Mars has become a shared human endeavor. People worldwide can expand the specialized efforts of a few hundred Mars mission team members and make authentic contributions of their own."

Contributors will also get points that are assigned to the robotic animal avatar they select -- that's right. Geek alert! They'll then participate in virtual town hall meetings. Let's hope Mars has a health plan and that ideologues there aren't fighting over it.

There's a map room and theater, too. Honestly, it looks a bit boring at this point, but let's see what happens once it gets rolling and there are more animal avatars walking around.

Here's the site: http://beamartian.jpl.nasa.gov/