October 2015 has been unofficially declared Mars Month. In The Martian (October 2015 movie), astronaut Watney finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/). He needs resources to survive. Who will come to the rescue, and how?
According to a recent news release Mars Rover 2020 mission is planned to deliver an extensive array of instruments designed to explore the habitability and biosignatures of Mars with an eye to future human colonization. The possibility of the existence of past and future life on Mars has recently been reinforced after the discovery of hydrated salts which support the hypothesis of "contemporary water activity on Mars" (Sep 2015 research coauthored by McEwen & Chojnacki of the University of Arizona); http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ngeo2546.html)
Meanwhile, back on Earth and scheduled to visit CEAC at the University of Arizona on October 30, 2015, two scientists Jacklyn Green and Roger Kern are slated to update us on their continued efforts to develop technology and seek innovations to address pressing issues concerning urban, indoor agriculture, with a potential for application on Mars. Having their roots as NASA scientists and engineers, Kern and Green recently turned their attention to earth-bound issues of food production through the creation of Agate Biosciences LLC, (http://www.agatebiosciences.com/) to provide advanced technologies for plant nutrition, biosecurity, and the undertaking of scientifically based research in greenhouse design and controls systems, and in plant health under controlled environment agriculture.
So, whether you are interested in the latest controlled environment agriculture or your interests are at the planetary level, the Covering Environments Seminar of the CEAC on October 30th will surely spark your imagination.
An informal networking and get acquainted session will start about 4pm. Plentiful Parking. Light refreshments will be served.
The CEAC seminars are also available via webcast. To register, click here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/52135911515542529
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.