The waning of a world

"The Waning of a World" by W. Elwyn Backus is a science fiction story that presents a clash between the minds of Professor Bernard Palmer and Professor L. R. Margard about the possibility of life on Mars, a debate ignited by Palmer's book, "Man and the Universe". The story follows a young inventor, Robert Sprague, who says he's created an amazing gravity-defying device known as the "Sphere". He teams up with Professor Palmer, and together they plan a trip to Mars in the "Sphere." The early parts of the book introduce the ongoing discussions about Mars and those who might live there. Robert, inspired by his father’s past work, connects with Professor Palmer to talk about the "Sphere" and what it can do. As anticipation grows for this machine, the two form an unexpected partnership to explore the secrets of Mars. The beginning of the story sets up the characters and the ideas of discovery, new inventions, and the search for knowledge, as the two get ready to start a journey that could bring them fame and offer answers to humanity’s questions about life in space