Verde Valley News – From the dawn of human history, that red dot in the night sky has fascinated humankind. Celebrated by cultures in Asia, Europe and the Americas as the God of Warfare, reputed home of suspicious canals and little green men, Mars is an enduring source of science, mythology and wonder. Yavapai College’s Verde Campus OLLI program invites everyone to a free Munch ‘n Learn that explores the celestial neighbor that has captured human imaginations for centuries. “A Guided Tour of Mars” lifts off Thursday, April 18, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., in room M-137 of YC’s Verde Valley Campus.
Today, Mars is our most studied astronomical object. NASA alone has landed eight crafts on it, and the photographs and other data from these missions have been illuminating and spectacular. But still, questions linger: How much water is there, and where is it? Was there any evidence of life on ancient Mars? Can humans “terraform” Mars and live on it? Join Boston University Physics Professor Dr. Shri Srikanth for a review of some of the spectacular pictures and videos and discover what we’ve learned about our sister planet and our own blue dot in the sky.
“A Guided Tour of Mars” is open to the public, and will be offered at the Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus, 601 Black Hills Drive, in room M-137. The presentation is part of the Verde Valley OLLI program’s Munch and Learn series, presented at Yavapai College, Sedona and Verde Valley, Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., through May 9. Attendees are invited to bring a bite to eat, or pick up lunch at the campus café, and dine while learning about a variety of topics: Community issues and programs; or developments in science and the arts.
Although the presentation is free to the public, you must register at 928-649-4275 or visit www.yc.edu/ollimunchand to ensure seating.