Space fans can watch Purdue scientist join NASA officials today to discuss February Mars rover landing

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Purdue University scientist and member of the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission will appear today (Jan. 27) as part of a NASA virtual media briefing that the public can watch.

Briony Horgan, associate professor of planetary science at Purdue, is one of six mission members who will field questions beginning at 4:30 p.m. EST from the media and the public via phone or social media using #CountdownToMars.

The live event will be broadcast via NASA TV, the agency’s website and YouTube.

Horgan has played a key role in the mission by leading research on the geology of the landing site.

Horgan led mineralogy research for the mission, and her team’s important finding on the location contributed to the selection of Jezero Crater. She also is on the rover camera team that will be the scientific eyes for Perseverance.

Horgan’s research and a presentation helped NASA select the rover landing site.

The NASA rover Perseverance is expected to touch down on Mars around Feb. 18. It launched on July 30 from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

For the six and a half months between launch and landing, Horgan and the Mars team have been working consistently on preparations for when the rover reaches the red planet. Plans are being made for where the rover will go and what it will do in the Jezero Crater, ranging from collecting samples to looking for ancient signs of life and understanding the planet’s geological processes.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/ 

Writer, Media contact: Brian Huchel, 765-494-2084

Source: Briony Horgan, briony@purdue.edu, @ironywithab 

Journalists visiting campus: Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines:

• Campus is open, but the number of people in spaces may be limited. We will be as accommodating as possible, but you may be asked to step out or report from another location.
• To enable access, particularly to campus buildings, we recommend you contact the Purdue News Service media contact listed on the release to let them know the nature of the visit and where you will be visiting. A News Service representative can facilitate safe access and may escort you on campus.
• Correctly wear face masks inside any campus building, and correctly wear face masks outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.