Phoenix Touches Down on Mars

A signal has been received from the Phoenix Lander from the surface of Mars, indicating the lander has survived the rought entry and descent phases, and is now standing on the frozen plains of Vastitas Borealis, in the Martian Arctic. Phoenix will investigate subsurface ice to see if past surface conditions have been favourable for microbial life. Further signals and the first surface images are expected over the coming days.

Read the latest news as the mission unfolds at the Phoenix Homepage.
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Australian High School Teacher Achieves Space Dream

Mark Gargano, Science Coordinator from St Joseph’s School in Northam (WA) and Education Officer of Mars Society Australia, Inc and John Mitsinikos, Mathematics Coordinator from Strathmore Secondary College (Vic) have returned home as the first Australian high school teachers to participate in the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) Spaceward Bound (SB) program in the Mojave Desert.
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Earth Sciences Mega-Conference a ‘Must Attend’ for Planetary Scientists

MSA members and others are invited to attend this year’s Australian Earth Sciences Convention. To be held in Perth from 20-24 July 2008, the Convention is Australia’s premier geoscience conference and a major event on the international geosciences calendar. It is expected to attract more than 1000 Australian and international delegates and will feature more than 135 presenters and 450 papers.
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Professor Russell Boyce to Deliver AMEC Opening Public Lecture

This year’s AMEC will commence with a public lecture at 7.30pm on the evening of Friday 4th of July by Professor Russell Boyce, titled ‘Australian Hypersonic Research and the Road to Mars’. The lecture will provide a stimulating overview of hypersonics in general and Australian hypersonics in particular, including its heritage, hot topics, and future directions. There will be special reference to entry into the Martian atmosphere, and Space Tourism. Entry will be by gold coin donation, and tea and coffee will be served afterwards.
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