Final answer:
In 1977, Homer lived his lifelong dream of discovering evidence for an inhabited Mars, inspired by Percival Lowell's belief in canals and intelligent life on Mars.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1977, Homer lived his lifelong dream of discovering evidence for an inhabited Mars. This dream was shared by Percival Lowell, a Massachusetts-born astronomer, who believed that there were canals and intelligent life on Mars. Lowell dedicated his life to studying the planet and founded the Lowell Observatory in Arizona to further his research. Although his theories were later proved incorrect, his dream of an inhabited Mars inspired many others, including Homer, to explore the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.