Feb 16, 2021
Search for Life on Mars with NASA’s Rover, Perseverance
Out-of-this-World Resources to Share with your Class!
It has been seven long months since the 2020 Mars Rover, Perseverance, and his pal, Ingenuity, began their journey from Earth to the Jezero Crater on Mars. But this week, they will finally make their long-awaited arrival on the Red Planet.
Learn more about their journey and mission with fun classroom and remote learning resources below!
Who is Perseverance?
Perseverance is a high-tech rover built to explore the surface of Mars, our next-door neighbor in the solar system. Equipped with special tools, like a drone named Igenguinty, Perseverance can survey and test the soil on Mars to determine if there is, or ever was, microbial life on the Red Planet. Some of these samples may even be able to travel back to Earth!
In July, Perseverance set off on his 293 million-mile journey across the solar system. You can learn all about it in this video:
Where is Perseverance Landing?
Perseverance will be making landfall in the Jezero crater on Mars, which is located right at the planet’s equator. Here, temperatures can reach a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists believe this area was once flooded with water thousands of years ago. While there is no longer water on the surface of the crater, nutrient-rich soil remains, which could be home to microbial life!
Perseverance will explore the Jezero crater for a full Martain year before venturing elsewhere. That is 687 Earth days!
Is There Any Water Left on Mars?
During Perservance’s seven-month, 293 million-mile journey, scientists confirmed that several lakes of water exist near Mars’ south pole. However, they are all frozen — and have been for billions of years! There is also evidence that liquid water sometimes flows on the surface of the Red Planet. This is exciting because anytime water is found, life could be found too!
How Can I Watch the Landing?
Perseverance is scheduled to land on February 18, 2021 at approximately 3:55 PM EST and you can watch the live coverage from the visitor complex.
Learning Resources
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we have put together an informational animated video, along with a coloring sheet, to share with learners of all ages.
