"I know there are many different theories about how to terraform Mars. Which do you suspect would be the most effective?"
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Seminar Detail
The Mars Exploration Rovers unveil new horizons for astrobiology
Presenter: David Des Marais ()
February 23, 2004 12:00 AM Pacific
The Mars Exploration Rover mission (MER) investigates how water
has shaped the crustal composition, environmental history, and potential
habitability of Mars. The Gusev Crater and Terra Meridiani landing sites
were chosen because they offer hints that water has shaped their landscapes
and mineralogy. As robotic field geologists, the MER rovers will explore the
roles played by key agents such as water, volcanism, impacts, sunlight and
atmospheric dynamics. For example, water might have helped to form crusts
observed in the Gusev Crater regolith. The composition and fabrics of
bedrock at Terra Meridiani potentially reflect aqueous processes. However,
wind and volcanism have conspired to obscure any effects of water. Still,
by methodically exploring rocks and sediments, the MER rovers might be able
to determine whether the martian environment ever had the potential to
sustain life.Participation Instructions
http://nai.arc.nasa.gov/seminars/instructions.cfm
December 21, 2007
Team Overview Seminars: Each of the NAI teams will be giving one hour overview seminars that describe the work they will be performing as members of the NAI. These seminars, which will be broadcast via videoconference and web, will provide an opportunity to find out more about the science, EPO and other activities being performed by the NAI teams.
The Director’s Seminar series features talks from scientists who are invited by the NAI Director to present their research results to the community. A primary goal of the seminars is to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across NAI teams and within the astrobiology community at large. These seminars are open to all, including the general public; however, the target audience is researchers and students who are engaged in astrobiology. While the seminars are technical in nature, speakers are encouraged to develop presentations that can be understood by colleagues from a variety of disciplines across the field. The talks are typically 50 minutes long, with time at the end for questions and discussion.
The Forum for Astrobiology Research (FAR) seminar provides an opportunity for graduate students to present their research results, and to meet as a student community for mutual encouragement and support. FAR science presentations are typically 20-30 minutes each, with several students presenting during one virtual event. On occasion, the FAR seminar will be devoted to group discussion and planning activities.
The University of Washington seminar series is hosted by the NAI VPL team from their campus in Seattle. NAI provides technical support for the seminar series and produces podcasts of the presentations. The talks are typically 50 minutes long, with time at the end for questions and discussion.
Other virtual seminars, such as workshops and summer student presentations, are hosted by NAI. These are typically scheduled as needed and vary in length, content, and target audience.
