Humans Orbiting Mars: Report on the Workshop

A human mission to orbit Mars might be possible by 2033, and it might be accomplished at reasonable cost and with existing or nearly-ready technology. Three leaders of a recent Washington DC conference on this topic provide a report. Emily Lakdawalla has been playing with spectacular new images from Saturn. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan enjoyed the blood red, totally-eclipsed moon, and they also enjoy offering yet another space trivia contest as we learn What’s Up.

Related Links:

• A New Path to Mars?
• Bill Nye & The Planetary Society Announce “Humans Orbiting Mars” Workshop Results
• Pretty Cassini Pictures: Animation of Iapetus' North Pole
• Random Space Fact!: The Red Hue of a Lunar Eclipse
• Video: April 4, 2015 Total Lunar Eclipse
• Indiegogo Campaign: Science and Stories on the Space Station
• iTelescope.net

This week's prizes are a 200-point iTelescope.net account worth $200 AND a stylish Planetary Radio t-shirt!

This week's question:

What are trans-Neptunian objects in a 2:1 orbital relationship with Neptune called? (2 orbits of Neptune, 1 orbit of the body)

To submit your answer:

Complete the contest entry form at http://planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, April 14th at 8am Pacific Time. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:

What constellation appears on the flags of Australia and New Zealand? (Come on Southern Hemisphere patriots and fans!)

Answer:

The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:

What is the approximate latitude of the center of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot?

Answer:

The center of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is at roughly 22 degrees south.