What distinct connotation did the English translation *canals* impose on the observation that the Italian term *canali* did not carry?

Answer

Artificial construction, engineering, and maintenance

While *channel* can be natural, *canal* carries the connotation of being artificially constructed and maintained, leading to widespread speculation about extraterrestrial life.

What distinct connotation did the English translation *canals* impose on the observation that the Italian term *canali* did not carry?
MarsSpaceastronomyobservationSchiaparelli