Introducer(s): Christine M. Rodrigue - California State University - Long Beach Session Description: Geographers have become active contributors in the investigation of Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies, judging from author affiliations in research articles and conference presentations. Most of these are physical geographers or GIScientists, but Mars has also become a topic of human geographic work. The purpose of this panel is to bring together several interested individuals to initiate a Mars geographical research community. Panelists will summarize their own work with Mars and then, more generally, what they feel geography uniquely adds to an understanding of Mars. Discussion will explore possible forms for a Mars geographical community, ranging from a specialty group in the AAG and other societies to a network of geographers who can contribute specific expertise to particular research, educational, and policy projects.
