The MarsQuest Exhibition Project

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And to know the place for the first time.

T. S. Eliot

MarsQuest has successfully toured the United States for three years. A renovated version of this exhibition will begin its second tour in February 2004. This version will feature the latest discoveries from missions to Mars, including new components about the search for life and weather on Mars.

New! MarsQuest opened October 1, 2000 at the McWane Center

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On July 4, 1997, a spacecraft from Earth unfurled a large parachute and descended through the thin Martian atmosphere. Just above the surface huge airbags inflated to help soften the impact. As it hit the reddish soil, Mars Pathfinder bounced again and again until it finally came to rest. For the first time in a generation, a spacecraft beamed back an image of a never before seen Martian landscape. Thus began the most far-reaching and comprehensive exploration of a planet other than Earth.

The MarsQuest Exhibit Project

Over the next decade and beyond, the United States and other nations will undertake the uprecedented exploration of the planet Mars. The excitement generated by these missions creates a tremendous opportunity for educating the public about Mars and Mars' exploration.

Entryway to the MarsQuest Exhibition at the McWane Center in Birmingham, Alabama

The Space Science Institute is taking advantage of this opportunity with the development of the MarsQuest project, which includes :

• a 4,500 square foot touring exhibition
  
  
• a comprehensive education program
  
  
• a 40-minute planetarium show

MarsQuest was was funded primarily by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Company provided additional support.

	Introduction Learn why Mars is important and what we may discover from the many NASA missions that are planned to visit Mars in the next decade.	Visitors examine simulated Martian soil
	Overview Some general facts about what is in the exhibit and who was involved in developing it.
	Sponsorship Opportunities There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available for the MarsQuest project. Find out how you can be involved.
	Education Program The MarsQuest Education Program provides professional development for educators and museum staff.
	Museum Information This button provides information to museum sites on how to book the exhibit and planetarium show, suggested museum shop items, and public relations materials for secured venues.
	Map The MarsQuest web site at a glance.

Click here to visit MarsQuest Online, a website regarding Mars exploration