Arizona and Mars
There is a number of places around the State of Arizona which either
resemble Mars or have played some role in the scientific exploration of Mars.
In addition, many of these sites were used for training astronauts for missions
to the Moon and in training geologists' eyes to interpret landforms like Meteor
Crater. Here we list some of these sites. See if you can name more. Also,
try and visit these places and perhaps take your class to explore their own
local Mars connections. Also, note that John Carter, the hero of Edgar Rice
Burroughs' famous Mars fiction series, began his journey to Mars from the
deserts of Arizona (see A Princess of Mars, 1912).
The Grand Canyon
- compare with Valles Marineris!
The size of Arizona
Sunset Crater volcano and lava flows
- compare with Mars volcanoes
Meteor Crater
- compare with Mars craters
Sand dunes (northern AZ and s.w. AZ)
- compare shape, size, minerals w/Mars
Dry riverbeds
Desert landscapes
- compare with Viking lander images
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff
- built in 1894 to observe Mars
AZ State Univ., Tempe
- carries out a variety of Mars research
Univ. Arizona, Tucson
U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Branch, Flagstaff
- conducts Mars research and makes Mars maps
TES 1993-1994 Curriculum Guide / K.S. Edgett /edgett@elvis.mars.asu.edu
