Mars exploration made its way to the silver screen this fall in the movie "The Martian."
Planetary science and space exploration have a long history in Arizona from the discovery of Pluto from Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory to the start of the University of Arizona’s program at the dawn of the Space Age.
In this edition of Arizona's Public Media's "AZ Week," Arizona Science Desk reporter Sara Hammond describes the history of planetary science at the UA, which started in 1960s. “I think the idea that we can learn about other planets – perhaps go to other planets someday – is inspiring for young people to become scientists or engineers,” Hammond said.