Speaker: Dr. Steve Ruff – ASU School of Earth & Space Exploration. A planetary geologist with a focus on the mineralogy of Mars determined via infrared spectroscopy.
Topic: “Updates from the Surface of Mars”. Dr. Ruff discussed recent happenings at the surface of Mars concerning rovers and landers, and a look at the future of Mars exploration. Dr Ruff also reported on the final months of the Opportunity rover’s nearly 15 year mission; the recent activities of the Curiosity rover; the new Insight lander mission; and the upcoming Mars 2020 rover mission.