Two scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) will host public programs focused on Mars and the potential for past life on the Red Planet on Feb. 13 and Feb 14 at Trinidad State Junior College (TSJC).
On Feb. 13, David Brain, CU-Boulder assistant professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences at LASP, will present “Was Ancient Mars Earth-Like?” at 7 p.m. at the TSJC Massari Theater.
Brain is a trained planetary scientist, and he conducts research on how unmagnetized objects, such as Mars, Venus, and the Moon, interact with the Sun and the implications of these interactions for long-term evolution.
In “Was Ancient Mars Earth-Like?,” Brain will describe what Mars is like today and what scientist think it was like long ago.
“More than any other planet, Mars appears to be similar to Earth,” he said. “It has mountains and volcanoes, canyons and polar caps, sand dunes and dust devils. But Mars is an incredibly inhospitable place today, with a thin, cold atmosphere incapable of supporting liquid water at the surface for extended periods.
“But was the Martian surface environment always so harsh? I'll describe why we think the Martian atmosphere changed, how and when this change might have occurred.”
Brain will also discuss the CU-led MAVEN Mission. MAVEN is a Mars orbiter, due for launch in late 2013, that will study the planet’s atmosphere.
Tickets for the Feb. 13 event are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Tickets can be purchased at the door the evening of event or in advance Monday-Friday from noon-4 p.m. at the Trinidad Community Foundation, 134 West Main Street, Suite 24. TSJC students and faculty may attend for free with a school identification card. All proceeds will benefit TSJC’s “College for Kids” summer program.
The following day, Feb. 14, LASP Outreach Coordinator Tom Mason will led a family program titled "Searching for Life (and Love) on Mars” at 4:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at TSJC.
Families will learn about Mars and its potential— past and present— to host life including some fictionalized accounts of Martian life from popular science fiction excerpts.
Based on participants’ understandings of the conditions on Mars, participants will design their own life forms with materials provided. In honor of Valentine’s Day, there will be a “love connection” aspect to the activity, provided their Martian is capable of surviving on the Red Planet. The program is geared towards 3rd-8th grade children, but the content will be suitable for all ages.
The family program is free and open to the public but space is limited. Advance registration is required. To reserve your spot, email Mason at tom.mason@lasp.colorado.edu by Feb. 8 with the number of expected attendees.
In addition to the public programs, the LASP scientists will present to two 5th grade classrooms at Fisher Peak Elementary School and two 9th grade classes at Trinidad High School on Feb. 13. The classes will discuss the differences between habitable planets in our Solar System, the role of magnetism in habitability, and the CU-led MAVEN mission to Mars.
These programs are part of “CU in the Community,” a series of events led by CU-Boulder faculty and staff. These programs are jointly sponsored by Trinidad State Junior College, Trinidad Community Foundation, Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce, Trinidad Times Independent, and the CU-Boulder Office for University Outreach.
For more information about the series, email outreach@colorado.edu.