Cafe Scientifique

5/26/22 @ 6pm ET:
Annapolis Cafe Scientifique at 49 West presents, “A New Mars Emerging from 21st Century Exploration”,
by Michael Meyer, PhD, Lead Scientist, Mars Exploration and Mars Sample Return Programs, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

All are welcome! Available in person at 49 West or via Zoom. Contact annapoliscafesci@gmail.com for more info.
You can reserve a seat for the talk at 49 West thru the email or by calling 49 West.

Abstract: Mars has been extensively studied using spacecraft data, modeling, and laboratory studies over the last several decades. We have learned much about Mars, from its geology and habitability, its climate, and to its potential for life. This information has culminated in a series of missions to bring samples to Earth collected on Mars. At this time, there are eight operating orbiters and three rovers. The science resulting from these 21st century missions, combined with research here on Earth, expose a deeper understanding of the red planet . To be presented: the latest on the measurements detailing the interaction of the atmosphere with the solar wind and a new apparent role of martian dust storms. For the first time, seismic observations have measured Marsquakes, providing estimates of the size and composition of the planet’s core-through-crust layered structure. But much remains to be discovered as exemplified by the mystery of near-surface methane. And based on ongoing missions and especially on the sample collected already by the rover Perseverance, we have many more discoveries on the horizon.