CLSTHAP002 - Missions to Mars: Exploration of the Red Planet
Kirsten Siebach, Ph.D., rover operator and Martian geologist, guides you through the history and future of Mars exploration. From the first “scientifically startling” observations of Mars to the recent Perseverance mission and Ingenuity helicopter flights, learn how our understanding of potential life on other planets and our insights about the unique habitability of Earth have evolved as we have explored the surface of Mars. What do we know about Mars, and how did we come to that understanding? Could there be life on the Red Planet? Why has Mars captured so much public attention, and what will we learn next? This course includes a mix of pre-recorded sessions and live, online meetings inviting you to join Dr. Siebach in discussion. From people newly interested in Mars to astronomy aficionados, geologists, teachers, engineers, astronauts and more—all are invited to this accessible course, which has no prerequisites.
Content was previously recorded by the instructor (originally released September 30, 2021).
Course Details
Kirsten Siebach, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Rice University Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences and calls herself a Martian geologist. She researches “source-to-sink” sedimentary processes on Mars and early Earth to interpret the history of water and surface environments early in our solar system. She is currently a member of the science and operations teams for the Mars 2020 rover Perseverance and the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity, and previously worked on the science and engineering teams for the Phoenix lander and the two Mars Exploration Rovers. Dr. Siebach completed her Ph.D. in geology at Caltech and conducted postdoctoral research in geochemistry of Martian sediments at Stony Brook University. She is actively engaged in promoting education and outreach related to Earth and planetary science. She loves travel and photography (on Earth as well as Mars).
Online--Pre-recorded/on demand
This course will be delivered in a pre-recorded/on demand format. Registered participants will receive instructions to access the course page and may view the pre-recorded lectures in any order and as often as preferred. Check Section Notes for access availability.
- First Impressions: The first missions to the Red Planet provided close-up imagery of the surface of another planet for the first time in human history. What did we understand about Mars before the space age, and why were our first missions so “scientifically startling”?
- Establishing the Timeline: Satellite missions have allowed us to map the surface features of Mars and estimate the ages of different formations based on the number and size of craters. How did the planet change through time?
- Roving Geologists: The Mars Exploration Rovers were designed to understand the role of water on Mars. They brought Mars images into homes around the world, sparking a new generation of exploration. What did they find?
- Exploring Habitability: In 2012, the Curiosity rover again revolutionized our understanding of Mars by exploring an ancient lake bed. What is “habitability”? What do the rover findings mean for the possibility of ancient life?
- Mars Sample Return: Perseverance is currently roving on Mars, collecting samples for future return to Earth. What will it collect? How will the samples return, and what will they teach us?
- Reflections on Human Exploration and the Future: What will potential human explorers face on the surface of Mars? What is “planetary protection”? How does Mars help us recognize and appreciate the unique habitability of Earth?