2004 Sverdrup Visiting Scientist Program
Augsburg College, Minneapolis

featuring
Dr. Noel W. Hinners, Senior Research Associate at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado Lecturer
All events are free and open to the public

Sverdrup Lecture
“The Exploration of Mars: An Ongoing Saga of Fact and Fiction, Dreams and Aspirations.”
Monday, April 19, 8:00 P.M. Hoverstein Chapel, Foss Center

ABSTRACT: Come, explore mars with us- ancient rivers, floods, lakes, sediments, sand dunes, dust storms, volcanoes, polar caps, iron deposits, buried ice and more. Share in the discoveries that are revolutionizing our understanding of the Red Planet. Incredible photos and science data from Mars Global Surveyor, Odyssey and now Spirit and Opportunity are building on the mariners and Vikings of yore. And more to come as or robot extend the reach of earth-bound scientists and the public participates via the internet. The prospects for human exploration live on, rejuvenated by President Bush who recently set a new direction for NASA, which includes sending humans to Mars. Dreams of exploring Mars with humans are imbedded in a history of science fiction with Martians invading Earth, earthlings building colonies on Mars and even turning Mars into a habitable planet. Is this 'for real'? We'll take a look at the challenges and rewards of such an adventure, what humans would do at the prospects that life may have once thrived on Mars billions of years ago when Earth was inhabited only by bacteria. we pose the possibility, demonstrably and scientifically possible, that we may in fact be Martians simply returning home.