It necessarily follows that [Mars] is not only more distant from time's beginning but nearer its end.

What does this line from the story tell you about Mars?

Mars' beginnings were more mysterious and distant than those of other planets.
Mars has a specific beginning and ending because of its distance from the Sun.
Mars is far enough away from the Sun that it could remain hidden.
Mars is nearer the end of its existence than Earth.

Question

It necessarily follows that [Mars] is not only more distant from time's beginning but nearer its end.

What does this line from the story tell you about Mars?

 Mars' beginnings were more mysterious and distant than those of other planets.
 Mars has a specific beginning and ending because of its distance from the Sun.
 Mars is far enough away from the Sun that it could remain hidden.
 Mars is nearer the end of its existence than Earth.

anonymous · Answer

Either the first or last. The wording is very strange and so it's hard to understand.