Public talk: The past, present, and future of life on Mars, by Prof Bruce Jakosky
In association with the M-Matisse Workshop, co-organised by CPS colleagues, we are delighted to welcome Professor Bruce Jakosky of the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, for a free public talk about life on Mars on the evening of Tuesday 20th May.
Public talk: The past, present, and future of life on Mars, by Prof Bruce Jakosky
20 May 2025, 19:00 – 20:00
In association with the M-Matisse Workshop being held at UCL, co-organised by CPS colleagues, we are delighted to welcome Professor Bruce Jakosky of the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, for a free public talk about life on Mars on Tuesday 20th May at 7pm. The talk abstract and a short bio for Professor Jakosky can be found below, together with the booking link to register (blue button above). Exact location details will be shared after registering for the event.
Talk abstract: The past, present, and future of life on Mars
Does Mars have life today, or did it at some time in the past? Mars appears to have met all of the environmental conditions necessary to support life. This was especially the case early in history when liquid water was abundant at the surface. We’re currently collecting samples of Martian rocks to bring back to Earth to look for evidence of ancient life. It is likely, though, that a definitive answer may require sending astronauts to Mars to study the surface in detail and to collect the right samples to analyze. I’ll talk about the scientific questions we’re asking about Mars, the ongoing international efforts to explore Mars today, our plans for sending human missions to explore the red planet, the far future of having humans on Mars, and the importance of exploring the solar system and beyond.
Speaker: Professor Bruce Jarosky
Professor Bruce Jakosky is senior research associate at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) and emeritus professor of geological sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. Prof Jakosky’s research focuses on understanding the nature of planetary surfaces and atmospheres and the possibility for the existence of life in the universe. He was Principal Investigator on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission from original concept through seven years of successful operations at Mars, focused on studying the loss of Mars atmosphere to space.
Further information
Ticketing
Ticketed and Pre-booking essential
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes