Mars is currently the target of one of the most active space exploration programs in history. This years Exploring Space Lecture Series, titled Mars Revealed, delves into the latest ideas in Mars science and our ever-evolving understanding of the planet. Distinguished speakers on the forefront of planetary science will bring Mars into focus and share a new view of this intriguing planet.
Each lecture begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Albert Einstein Planetarium, and is preceded by a free showing of Infinity Express: A 20-Minute Tour of the Universe at 7:30 p.m.
April 10, Thursday, The Latest Infrared and Visible Images from Mars Odyssey. Dr. Phil Christensen, professor of planetary geology at Arizona State University in Tucson and principle investigator for the Mars Odyssey THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS) instrument, will present the latest discoveries from the red planet and describe the search for sites where life may once have existed.
You can also join Dr. Christensen for a 10-minute presentation titled, The Latest Images from Mars! at 12:30 p.m. in the museums Exploring the Planets Gallery. The latest images from the Mars Odyssey spacecraft are displayed (and updated daily) in the Exploring the Planets gallery. Dr. Christensen will talk about the Mars Odyssey and what we are learning from its visible and infrared images of the Red Planet.
May 7, Wednesday, The 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers: Field Geologists on Mars. In the centennial year of flight, twin Mars Exploration Rovers will be launched to Mars. John Grant, geologist in the museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies and co-chair of the Mars Landing Site Steering Committee, will discuss the upcoming rover mission and its science goals, and review the varied the landing sites that await the intrepid rovers.
June 5, Thursday, Lessons from Mars for Life on Earth. To conclude the series Mars Revealed, D.E. Brownlee, professor of astronomy at the University of Washington, Seattle, will look at what Mars can tell us about Earth’s past and future, and how the comparison of Earth and Mars highlights the many reasons why Earth has been more successful at sustaining life.
