Mars

TV SCRIPT

During initial excursion on Sol 3 pilot/astronaut P. Connors will demonstrate on camera the following:

1. Colors of Martian landscape. Pan camera to show ground color and color of sky.

2. A Martian rock. Pick up moderate-sized rock, show it to camera. Explain that red color is from oxidation of iron-based minerals.

3. Temperature. Place thermometer on ground, show temperature (approximately 60–70 degrees Fahrenheit). Lift thermometer to eye level, show mercury dropping to zero or below. Explain that this phenomenon is due to low heat-retention capacity of thin Martian atmosphere.

4. Low air pressure. Open flask of ordinary water and let camera see that it immediately boils, even at temperature of zero or below, because of extremely low air pressure. Explain that same would happen to blood in body if not protected by pressurized hard suit.

5. Low gravity. Drop rock hammer to show that it falls more slowly than similar object on Earth, although faster than on Moon. (Contrast with earlier videotape of Astronaut Connors dropping same rock hammer when on Moon.]

6. Moon of Mars. If visible against daylight sky, show inner moon, Phobos, as it rises in west and crosses Martian sky in four hours. (It is not necessary to show entire four-hour transit. Use telescopic lens to show Phobos changing phase from “new” to “quarter” to “full.” Tape can be edited to fit time allowed for broadcast.)