Mars Education Announcements and Events

Compiled by Ken Edgett, Arizona State University


Dates in 1997:

• mid-March:
  Mars at Opposition. Closest approach of Mars to Earth since 1995. See articles from magazines listed in "REaD MARS" (like Sky & Telescope and Astronomy) for details on how to view the Red Planet.

• April 3-6:
  National Science Teachers Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana. Several "Mars" related sessions will be presented. From the Arizona Mars K-12 Education Program, look for a presentation on "Red Planet Connection" by Tricia Dieck and and a keynote address to the Middle-Level Luncheon by Dr. Ken Edgett. For registration information: NSTA Convention Office, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22201-3000, USA.

• April 24:
  Passport to Knowledge "Live from Mars" telecast. In the USA, check local listings for PBS coverage.

• July 2:
  Mars Day at the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, Arizona. Events are being planned to precede the Mars Pathfinder landing. Contact (602) 716-2000.

• July 3-6:
  Planetfest '97. Celebrate Mars Pathfinder's landing LIVE in Pasadena, California-- near JPL! Planetfest '97 is sponsored by The Planetary Society and will include a series of public and educational events. Planetfest '97 will also celebrate the June 1997 NEAR encounter with asteroid Matilde and Galileo's continuing Jupiter mission! The Planetary Society, (818) 793-5100.

• July 4:
  Mars Pathfinder landing on Mars. Check local TV listings for live coverage of events, including Passport to Knowledge "Live from Mars" on PBS.

• September 12:
  Mars Global Surveyor goes into orbit.

• in September:
  Arizona Mars K-12 Teacher Workshop at Arizona State University. (Date TBA in May 1997).

• in October:
  Passport to Knowledge "Live from Mars" telecast.

• in November:
  Passport to Knowledge "Live from Mars" telecast.

• March 15, 1998:
  Mars Global Surveyor begins Mapping Phase. Mapping will occur for 1 Mars year (through January 2000).