In the 19th century, many observers looked to the martian landscape, and saw what could be described only as canals. This issue was hotly debated, with the arguments seemingly put to rest by the Mariner expeditions. However, shortly after the start of the current millenium, the red planet once again approached the Earth, bringing with it many of the same sights from the last time it cozied up to our happy rock. This time, however, we were prepared. With webcams, digital video, and editing software, it was concluded that those canals were still there, but maybe not canals. Perhaps, just maybe, they were tricks of the light played upon our unsuspecting minds.