NASA heads to Mars for red planet bash

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - 09:08 StudyHall.Rocks

The Martians have landed -- or maybe not. Either way, the borough of Mars embraces its quirky name. Image: Jon Dawson, provided by NASA.

At last, NASA is going to Mars.

     Or, to be specific, the space agency has announced it is going to Mars, Pennsylvania, June 19-20, to celebrate the Martian New Year. The visit was prompted by an invitation from the borough of Mars, which totally embraces its other-worldly name.
     The red planet has a broader orbit than Earth, and its new year occurs about every two Earth-years, according to NASA. (One Earth year is 365 days. One Mars year is 687 Earth days.)
     And so NASA is going to Mars for a “red planet extravaganza.” The space agency will provide exhibits and even a Mars expert, Jim Green, NASA’s director of planetary science. Green, scheduled to give a talk on June 19 and 20, was a technical consultant for the upcoming Matt Damon flick, “The Martian.” The space agency explains that this is all part of its effort to inspire young people to study science.
     Mars, Pennsylvania, in case you’re wondering, is on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. The website for the area's historical society explains that the town began to take shape in 1877, when the Pittsburgh and Western Railroad laid track. It was probably named for a distinguished resident, Judge Samuel Marshall, who helped the town get a post office.
     In other words, the name Mars has nothing to do with the red planet. But no matter. Everyone in Mars is apparently on board with the whole red planet thing. There is a flying saucer in the center of town. The athletic team for the Mars Area High School is nicknamed The Fighting Planets. The Mars Police Department's cruisers and badges feature a flying saucer and the red planet. The website for the Mars area public library depicts orange aliens reading books. And if all that isn't enough, “Welcome to Mars” signs on town lampposts feature a drawing of Mars and a flying saucer.
     NASA should feel right at home.

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