Mars Rovers Battle Storms On The Red Planet (broadcast Friday, July 27th, 2007)

Mars Phoenix being prepared for launch. NASA/United Launch Alliance

The Mars Rovers are caught in the worst storm scientists have ever seen on the red planet. Swirling dust threatens to cover the solar panels on the long-running rovers, choking off their energy supply. Join guest host Joe Palca in this hour of Science Friday for an update on the rovers. We'll also look ahead to a new Mars mission, Mars Phoenix, set to launch next week. If all goes well, Phoenix will land on the red planet in 2008, and will study the soil in the northern arctic region of Mars, testing for water. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.