The Mars Society

A glowing red beacon in the night sky calls to us. Mars—majestic, mysterious—lures us in, capturing the imagination of those who feel more Martian than Earthling. For members and fans of The Mars Society, the thought of standing on the Martian surface isn’t fantasy—it’s a vision of the future they are working to achieve. For thousands of years, Mars has inspired myths, stories, and countless science fiction adventures. From Edgar Rice Burroughs' A Princess of Mars to the iconic scenes of Total Recall, the Red Planet has fueled our collective imagination. But at The Mars Society, the focus is on transforming fiction into reality. Founded by Dr. Robert Zubrin in 1998, the organization’s mission is to educate, raise public awareness, and, ultimately, help send humans to Mars. Education is central to The Mars Society’s mission. Through its Education Department, we reach out to educators, students, and the general public, expanding knowledge about Mars, astronomy, space exploration, and the possibilities for human life on another planet. In addition to ongoing projects, Director of Education Programs, Nicole Willett, M.S. is developing a comprehensive Mars curriculum for K-12 students and collaborates with educators, organizations, and students on various global initiatives to advance space and science education. We will be launching a worldwide writing contest for middle school students in the coming weeks, for more information, email [email protected].? This commitment to learning extends to the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), where volunteer crews of “Marsonauts” live and work in conditions that simulate Mars’ harsh environment. Here, teams conduct research in isolation, tackling the very challenges future Mars pioneers will face. For students, the University Rover Challenge (URC) encourages the next generation of engineers and scientists to design and compete with robotic rovers. It’s a chance for young minds to envision Mars and put their ideas to the test, showing the spirit of ingenuity and exploration that defines the Society. Humanity’s future will be shaped by the choices we make today. Faced with a planet facing the limits of growth, we must look outward. The Mars Society embodies the idea that it takes a global village—a community of “Martians”—to achieve Dr. Zubrin’s goal of sending humans to Mars. As a volunteer-driven organization, they continue to push the boundaries, guided by a commitment to collaboration, education, and action. Though Mars may appear a frozen wasteland, the Mars Society sees it as a new frontier, waiting for us to cross over. The Red Planet orbits patiently, awaiting the day we set foot on her surface. The time to prepare is now. Will you join us?

Here is an excellent podcast interview of me on the Yaron Brook show.

Teaching Mars: A Preview to Mars Projects By: Nicole Willett, M.S., Director of Education Programs As a former secondary astronomy teacher, adjunct astronomy professor, and Director of Education Programs for The Mars Society, I crafted a Mars-focused curriculum that captivated students by examining themes such as human missions to Mars and Martian astrobiology. This Mars-centered learning encourages curiosity and inspires students to pursue fields like science, engineering, and environmental studies by tackling real-world issues. Through this curriculum, students grapple with complex concepts by solving practical challenges related to space exploration and sustainable life-support systems. This approach promotes critical thinking and creativity, motivating students to envision new horizons for humanity and consider their potential roles in future space exploration. I wouldn’t recommend beginning a curriculum with Mars right away. Instead, I always introduced students to a broader context by presenting an overview of the solar system and humanity’s place within it. Starting with a presentation on the universe’s scale—from quarks to filaments—students then progressed through the planets, beginning with Mercury. We covered the Earth-Moon system, as well as the spacecraft and human endeavors that have explored the Moon, before moving to low Earth orbit (LEO) missions like the Space Transportation System (STS) program, the International Space Station (ISS), and recent contributions from private entities like SpaceX. Both unmanned and manned missions were discussed, forming a solid foundation for understanding Mars mission proposals. When we arrived at the Mars section, I introduced students to Martian planetary data, orbit, and geological characteristics. I highlighted similarities between a Martian day and an Earth day, noting the 40-minute difference, and explained the axial tilts of Earth (23.5°) and Mars (25°). Understanding these tilts helps students grasp why both planets experience seasons, though Mars’ seasons span a year nearly twice as long as Earth’s. We also discussed Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos, contrasting them with Earth’s moon. Students learned that Mars' moons, likely captured asteroids, are significantly smaller and orbit Mars at a much faster rate. They also explored the anticipated impact of Phobos’ eventual crash onto Mars, considering what this might mean for future Martian inhabitants. Students were assigned to research Mars missions and present a 5- to 7-minute talk on a Mars-related topic, such as specific spacecraft or geological landmarks. This exercise showcased the wealth of information available on Mars and underscored the dedication of scientists working to unlock Mars’ mysteries. For more information or to request a preview of the Mars Society’s Official Curriculum, contact me at [email protected].