2005-2006

News Release

REF NO.: 186

SUBJECT: Memorial University public lecture explores Mars

DATE: February 17, 2006

The intriguing red planet of Mars will be the focus next week of a special public seminar at Memorial University.

Well-known researcher Dr. John Spray of the Planetary and Space Science Centre at the University of New Brunswick will deliver a talk titled Exploring the Red Planet: What We Have Learned About Mars in the Last 40 Years. The lecture takes place on Monday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Science Building, room SN-2109, Memorial’s St. John’scampus.

Dr. Spray specializes in planetary geology, impact cratering and shock metamorphism.

As director of the Planetary and Space Science Centre, he leads a research team devoted to investigating the geology of impact craters on Earth, as well as the geology of the Moon, Mars and asteroids.

His research group is interested in carrying out future geological mapping on planets using robotic techniques and has focused its research on the geology of Mars.

Dr. Spray has served as chair of the Space Exploration Advisory Committee to the Canadian Space Agency and is currently serving as a member of the CSA’s Space Science and Exploration Strategic Development group.

The Department of Geography is hosting the event which is being sponsored by the group Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and the Geological Association of Canada, Newfoundland Section.

Free parking is available in Area 15. Admission is also free.

Media agencies are encouraged to send representatives to the public lecture.

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