Global Dust Storm On Mars Subject Of Next Space Science Update

A dust storm of massive proportions is raging over
almost the entire surface of Mars, as revealed by new images
from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and Mars Global Surveyor
to be released at a Space Science Update,Thursday, October
11. The briefing will begin at 1 p.m. EDT in the James E.
Webb auditorium at NASA Headquarters, 300 E St., SW,
Washington.

Such a global dust storm has not been seen on Mars for
decades, and instruments on the two spacecraft have afforded
scientists an unprecedented view of the storm. In addition,
NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey is scheduled to enter orbit around
Mars within two weeks.

Panelists will be:

* Dr. Jim Bell, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

* Dr. Philip Christensen, Arizona State University, Tempe

* Dr. Michael Malin, Malin Space Science Systems, Inc., San
Diego

* Dr. Rich Zurek, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena,
Calif.

* Dr. Jim Garvin, Mars Exploration Program Lead Scientist,
NASA Headquarters, and
panel moderator.

The program will be broadcast live on NASA Television,
available on GE-2, transponder 9C, located at 85 degrees West
longitude, with a frequency of 3880 MHz and audio of 6.8 MHz.

Reporters may be able to cover the event from participating
NASA Centers, which will have two-way question-and-answer
capability with the panel at NASA Headquarters. However,
media representatives wishing to participate in the briefing
should contact their local NASA to determine accreditation
procedures.