Coming this May: Mars in Minnesota

Feb 28, 2013

Can't make it to Mars? Come to St. Paul for Science Night Minnesota on May 21. John Grotzinger, the head of NASA's Mars Curiosity mission, will share the latest research and a behind the scenes look at the red planet's robot rover at this fun and interactive event, presented by Minnesota Public Radio, the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Public Insight Network.

The Daily Circuit's Tom Weber will ask Grotzinger about new discoveries, the potential for the building blocks of life on Mars, and how it felt when Curiosity touched down last summer after the so-called "seven minutes of terror." Boing Boing science editor Maggie Koerth-Baker will join the conversation as well and explore the world of space and scientific discovery.

Science Night Minnesota is your chance to learn a little something during a night on the town. Hear music from Curiosity's playlist, enjoy a cocktail, and interact with the show and the audience via Twitter. Sign up to be a source in MPR's Public Insight Network and you may get to meet Grotzinger after the show.

The program will be recorded for later broadcast on all MPR news stations, including KNOW 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities and online at mprnews.org.

About the Guests
John Grotzinger is the chief scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory rover mission, which riveted the country with its daredevil landing last August. A geologist, his work focuses on the chemical and physical interactions between life and the environment. With the hypothesis that the early history of the red planet is similar to that of the Earth, Grotzinger hopes to gain more understanding of Earth's evolution through the study of Mars.

Maggie Koerth-Baker is the science editor at BoingBoing.net. She writes a monthly column for The New York Times Magazine and is the author of "Before the Lights Go Out", a book about electricity, infrastructure and the future of energy.

About the Host
Tom Weber is heard every day on The Daily Circuit. He joined MPR News in Jan. 2008 as a general assignment reporter, and soon moved to the K-12 education beat. In 2011, Weber was the lead reporter on MPR News' investigation into Minnesota's anti-bullying law, a ground-breaking report that has prompted new proposals and vigorous debate.

The Daily Circuit from MPR News delivers lively, in-depth discussions of news events, issues, the arts and more. Hear The Daily Circuit weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon on MPR News and online at MPRNews.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul

TICKETS: Tickets are $25, reserved seating. Member presale tickets are available beginning Tuesday, March 5 at the Fitzgerald Theater/MPR Box Office and through Ticketmaster using your MPR member number or the passcode given to Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) members. Tickets for MPR or SMM members are $22. Members of both organizations may also order tickets by calling the Fitzgerald Theater Box Office at 651-290-1200.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, March 12.