Arizona vs. Mars

There are many 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.

Arizona					Mars

The Grand Canyon				compare with Valles Marineris!

The size of Arizona				compare with Olympus Mons volcano

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					Mars has these, too.

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				conducts Mars research

U.S. Geological Survey				conducts Mars research and
Astrogeology Branch, Flagstaff			makes Mars maps

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TES 1995-1996 Curriculum Guide / Arizona Mars K-12 Education Program