FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - One of NASA’s leading planetary scientists and a renowned expert on the possibility of life on Mars, Dr. Christopher P. McKay, will present a lecture at the University of Arkansas at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, in Giffels Auditorium.

Titled "Life on Mars: Past, Present and Future," McKay’s presentation will discuss evidence that, early in Mars’ history, the planet had liquid water, more active volcanism and thicker atmosphere - conditions remarkably similar to those of Earth. In fact, Mars exhibited these conditions approximately 3.5 billion years ago, about the same time that life appeared on our planet.

McKay contends that the search for an independent origin of life on Mars represents the main question in the exploration of that planet. Further, he believes that ecosystems in cold, dry locations on Earth - such as the Antarctic - provide examples of how life on Mars might have survived and where scientists should search for fossils. In his lecture, McKay will suggest that future exploration should seek, not just fossil evidence, but also intact Martian life, possibly preserved deep in the planet’s permafrost.

Currently a planetary scientist with the Space Science Division of NASA Ames, McKay received his Ph.D. in AstroGeophysics from the University of Colorado in 1982. His current research focuses on the evolution of the solar system and the origin of life. He also has been involved in polar research for the past two decades, traveling to the Antarctic, Siberia and the

Canadian Arctic to study their environmental conditions.

In addition to these research interests, McKay is actively involved in planning future Mars missions, including exploring the potential of human settlements.

Sponsored by the Arkansas-Oklahoma Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, Sigma Xi and the Department of Biological Sciences, the lecture is free and open to the public.