"The Explorations of Spirit and Opportunity: Two Robotic Field Geologists on Mars."
Dr. William Farrand to present at SCCC

Photo - Courtesy NASA

Dr. William Farrand will present his talk, "The Explorations of Spirit and Opportunity: Two Robotic Field Geologists on Mars," on Friday, October 20 at 7 p.m. in the Sussex Bank Theater at Sussex County Community College.

On January 2004, the two Mars Exploration Rovers (MER), named Spirit and Opportunity, landed on opposite sides of Mars. Original plans called for each rover to have a nominal 90 day mission; however, the rovers have far surpassed original expectations by their longevity. Both rovers are still operating with each having operated for over 900 Martian days. The rovers have revolutionized our understanding of the history of Mars. They have provided evidence for the early activity of water on the surface of Mars at both landing sites.

Since leaving their landing sites, the twin rovers have sent more than 100,000 spectacular, high-resolution, full-color images of Martian terrain as well as detailed microscopic images of rocks and soil surfaces to Earth. Four different spectrometers have amassed unparalleled information about the chemical and mineralogical makeup of Martian rocks and soil. Special rock abrasion tools, never before sent to another planet, have enabled scientists to peer beneath the dusty and weathered surfaces of rocks to examine their interiors.

Dr. Farrand, a member of the MER science team, will provide highlights from the missions of both Spirit and Opportunity. For more information about the presentation please call Peter Schoch at 973-300-2342.