The Phoenix Mars Mission will be on center stage this week when NPR's "Talk of the Nation: Science Friday" broadcasts live from the UA Phoenix Science Operations Center in Tucson.
More than 3 million listeners worldwide are expected to tune in, as host Ira Flatow, along with University of Arizona scientists, will address questions about Mars, the Phoenix Mission and other science topics.
"We're delighted to be showcased," said Sara Hammond, public-affairs manager for the Mars mission.
A limited number of people will be in the audience, but no spots are available. Listeners can call in questions to the National Public Radio show.
"We encourage people of the community to call in," said Wendy Erica Werden, Arizona Public Media marketing chief.
"Millions of avid 'Science Friday' listeners worldwide will be exposed to the great science in Southern Arizona," she said.
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Peter Smith, the UA's lead scientist for the Phoenix Mars Mission, is one of the scheduled guests on Friday's show.
Launched last summer, the Phoenix Mars Lander traveled 420 million miles before it touched down on the red planet. The lander has conducted experiments and sent back information since arriving during the Memorial Day weekend.
The first half of the program will be exclusively about Mars and the Phoenix Mission. During the second hour, the topics will switch to the science of chile peppers and astronomy beyond Mars.
If You Listen
What: NPR's "Science Friday," broadcast live from the UA Phoenix Science Operations Center
When: Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
To listen: Tune in to KUAZ 89.1 FM or 1550 AM
To ask a question: Call 1-800-989-8255
More Mars
Peter Smith, the principal investigator for the Phoenix Mars Mission, will speak on Tuesday at the UA.
The free lecture, "The Phoenix Mission: A Trip to the Martian Arctic," is open to the public and will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Room 120 of the Integrated Learning Center.
