Queen’s University astronomy expert David Hanes is available to comment on the Mars probe Curiosity that will be touching down on the red planet on Sunday night. The NASA probe is a rover designed to spend two years exploring the vast Gale Crater to start to unravel the mysteries of Mars.

“Astronomers and engineers are waiting with anxious excitement for the tricky touchdown of NASA's Curiosity space probe onto the surface of Mars,” says Dr. Hanes, the head of the department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy. “The landing, scheduled for shortly after midnight (EDT) on Sunday brings unprecedented challenges thanks to the size and complexity of the rover that is to be delivered to the surface. Following a successful landing, Curiosity will begin a two-year exploration of Mars, one that is designed to answer the fascinating question ‘Is there life on Mars?’”

Please note, Dr. Hanes is only available for interviews today.

To arrange an interview, please contact communication officers Anne Craig at 613-533-2877 or anne.craig@queensu.ca or Michael Onesi at 613.533.6000 ext. 77513 or michael.onesi@queensu.at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.

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