Deep Space LIVE: Mars Simulation
Thursday, February 15, 2018 / 6-8 PM
(Linz, February 12, 2018) At the next Deep Space LIVE on February 15th at 6 PM, the focus will be on Mars, the Red Planet, and the simulation currently being conducted by the ÖWF–Austrian Space Forum and international partners in the Dhofar region of Oman. The ÖWF’s Sophie Gruber will be joined by Johannes Stübler and Erich Meyer of the Linz Astronomical Society to span a broad thematic arc—from Mars’ significance in our solar system and the objectives of a Mars mission to the question of what insights can be derived from simulations on Earth.
The Red Planet and …
Mars’ dark red coloration is the origin of its nickname. Ever since Antiquity, our cosmic neighbor has fired the imaginations of human beings, who have interpreted its position in various constellations as a harbinger of war and doom. So it’s no coincidence that the Romans named their God of War after Mars. Nowadays, the exploration of Mars is the theme of countless books, films and comics. Various national space administrations and space agencies as well as private space exploration companies have been at work for decades on concepts and plans for a manned mission to Mars. Lately, attention has been focused on the new Falcon Heavy rocket that Elon Musk’s company SpaceX launched on February 6, 2018 from the Cape Canaveral Complex’s historic Launch Pad 39A.
… the Amadee-18 Mars Simulation
In cooperation with several international partners, the ÖWF–Austrian Space Forum is conducting a Mars simulation in February 2018 in Dhofar, Oman. That region, with its many dried-out river beds and a variety of sandy and rocky surfaces and various steep cliffs, geologically resembles the surface of Mars in numerous respects. Under the direction of a Mission Support Center in Innsbruck, a small team of experts will conduct experiments in the fields of engineering, astrobiology, geology and bioscience to gain insights that will be useful on future manned missions to Mars.
Deep Space LIVE
The Ars Electronica Center hosts a Deep Space LIVE event every Thursday (except holidays) at 7 PM. Each presentation features ultra-high-definition imagery in 16×9-meter format and is accompanied by expert commentary, entertaining stand-up repartee, or musical improvisation. Whether great works from the history of art, space travel, journeys of discovery in the nano-world or a live concert is what you’ve come to behold, Deep Space LIVE stands for enlightening entertainment amidst breathtaking worlds of imagery. Holders of a valid Museum ticket are admitted free of charge.
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Photo:
Base Camp of AMADEE-18 / fotocredit: ÖWF_Florian Voggeneder / Printversion
Photo:
Mars Simulation@Deep Space 8K / credit: Ars Electronica Center / Robert Bauernhansl / Printversion
