Media Advisory: Exploring Mars with Curiosity: Free USGS Public Lecture October 25

MENLO PARK, Calif. — In early August, the Mars Science Laboratory rover known as "Curiosity" landed successfully to begin its 23 month mission of searching the Martian surface for evidence of environmental conditions capable of supporting microbial life.  On October 25^th the U.S. Geological Survey will have a lecture featuring USGS Geologist Ken Herkenhoff, a member of the Curiosity mission’s team talking about what scientists have discovered so far during this mission, particularly at the Gale crater landing site. Learn how scientists are using special instruments aboard Curiosity to analyze dust and rocks, to learn about the role of water in forming the Martian landscape. 

Who:	Ken Herkenhoff, USGS Geologist and Member of the Mars Science Laboratory "Curiosity" Team.
What:	Exploring Mars with Curiosity - searching the Martian surface for evidence of habitable conditions.
When:	Thursday, October 25, 2012 Noon —Lecture preview for USGS employees and press 7 p.m.—Public lecture (also live-streamed over the Internet)
Where:	U.S. Geological Survey Building 3 Auditorium, second floor 345 Middlefield Road Menlo Park, CA 94025
More information and directions:	Evening Public Lecture Series Calendar Menlo Park Science Center Campus Map

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