Celebrate the science and innovation of Mars
Our annual Mars Day event has gone virtual!
Join us online Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18
The National Air and Space Museum's annual Mars Day! celebrates the Red Planet with educational and fun activities for all ages that expose visitors to the latest developments in planetary science. Hear from scientists active in Mars research and mission planning and learn about current and future missions.
Mars Social Media Quiz
Thursday to Saturday, answer questions about the geography of the Red Planet on the Museum's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Saturday, July 18
Virtual Scavenger Hunt: Mars 2020
1 pm ET
Use the GooseChase app for a virtual scavenger hunt featuring trivia and activities about the upcoming launch of Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. Dig in and discover the various aspects of exploring the Red Planet, like rovers, copters, and more. Learn more about how to participate.
EZ Science: Mars 2020
3 pm ET
Watch the premiere of our latest episode of EZ Science, our web series featuring Museum director Ellen Stofan and NASA associate administrator Thomas Zurbuchen. In this episode Dr. E and Dr. Z discuss the technological advancements of the newest Mars rover Perseverance.
Launch a Conversation
Great moments in space exploration can't be viewed without looking at social, political, and historical events that were happening at the same time.
There are risks associated with all launches, but in this conversation hear about the risks some Americans faced just to see a launch in person. Watch below or on YouTube and talk with your family about what barriers and dangers exist today that might affect different Americans’ decisions to attend a launch.
Hear about our future in space from the Afrofuturism perspective, featuring Leslie Walker from the National Museum of African American History Culture. Watch below or on YouTube. Talk with your family about their vision of our future space travels. What fictional movies, books, or music do they think most looks like our future life on Mars?
Take a look at women’s trek to space in the video below or on YouTube. Talk with your friends and family about women astronauts they remember and why.
After you talk about these topics with your family, we would love to hear what you discussed. Share it with us here.
Tour of Mars Map
Explore the geography of Mars with ArcGIS map story telling. You'll find quick facts about Mars and can dive deeper into different parts of the Red Planet. Explore now.
Artist's concept of Mars 2020 rover with sample tubes.
Want More Mars?
After Mars Day is over, the Red Planet excitement doesn't stop. Check out the new AirSpace podcast episode about the Mars Perseverance rover on Thursday, July 23.
Archive: Thursday, July 16
What's New in Aerospace: Rovers
1 pm ET
Tune in for a live chat on the Museum's website and Facebook Live all about robotic exploration of Mars, including the upcoming launch of the new Mars rover Perseverance. Featuring NASA engineers Kobie Boykins and Christina Hernández and Museum curator Matthew Shindell.
Interview: Moments of the Launch
Student reporter Jaden Jefferson talks to Jim Norman, director of launch services at NASA, about what goes into a space launch and NASA's upcoming launch of a new Mars rover. Watch below or on YouTube.
Launch a Conversation
Great moments in space exploration can't be viewed without looking at social, political, and historical events that were happening at the same time. Have a conversation with your family about what you remember about launches in American history. Need tips on how to interview? Check out the video below or watch on YouTube.
An artistic rendering of the sky crane maneuver during the descent of NASA's Curiosity rover to the Martian surface.
Archive: Friday, July 17
Virtual Scavenger Hunt: Geography of the Red Planet
1 pm ET
Use the GooseChase app for a free virtual scavenger hunt featuring trivia and activities to dig in and discover the various aspects of exploring Mars, like rovers, copters, and more. Learn more about how to participate.
Instagram Live Mini-Talks
5 to 10 pm ET
The Museum's AirSpace podcast will take over the National Air and Space Museum Instagram with short lightning talks on Instagram Live about the Red Planet, from planetary research to Martian cocktails, and everything in between.
Explainer Demos
Museum Explainers lead demos on spacesuits and air pressure.
Naming the Mars Rover: Student Interview
Student reporter Jaden Jefferson talks to middle schooler Alex Mather, who named the Mars 2020 rover Perseverance. Watch below or on YouTube.
STEM in 30 Clips
Learn more about Mars in these clips from STEM in 30, our Emmy-nominated webcast series for middle school students:
Mars image constructed from Viking 1 Orbiter imagery, Visual Imaging Subsystem Camera A
