CHICAGO — On Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, the Mars Perseverance rover is scheduled to make its descent onto the red planet, landing on the Jezero Crater. The mission is designed to better understand the geology and climate of Mars, and will seek signs of ancient life with a possible return of rock samples to Earth. Onboard the rover is the Mars Helicopter, a technology demonstration to test the first powered flight on Mars.
Edwin Kite, a University of Chicago planetary geoscientist and Mars expert, combines geologic data and analysis with models to better understand early Mars climate. Kite can discuss the mission, landing and details surrounding the rover. Kite can also delve into topics surrounding the formation of mountains, valleys and terrain of the red planet, as well as the history of its atmosphere that the rover will analyze on a level greater than any prior Mars mission.
To schedule an interview with Kite, email Cynthia Medina at cmedina13@uchicago.edu.
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