How can someone search for past life on Mars while on Earth? I thought that is why we sent rovers to Mars?

Well...you are right about the rovers, but what if I told you that there are sites on Earth that have environments mirroring what Mars' climate and surface used to look like millions to billions of years ago?

Find out in this episode with space explorer Dr. Angélica Anglés!

Dr. Angélica Anglés is a planetary scientist and astrobiologist (and pianist) whose research is centred around the search for extraterrestrial life on Mars. She studies extreme environments as Mars analog sites, mostly the Qaidam Basin in the mountains of Tibet to find clues for the possibility of life on Mars. Thanks to her research, she took part in the Landing Site Selection for the NASA Mars 2020 planetary mission and she has been part of several NASA panels. She has won several awards and scholarships to study extreme environments on Earth, such as the Pilbara in Australia, the hot springs in Rotorua (New Zealand), Lake Ciso in Spain or the French Pyrénées. She is the author of several scientific publications in peer reviewed journals and has co-authored a book (Astrobiology & Society in Europe Today) published in 2017. Additionally, she is recognized in the media as an expert in this field, with multiple radio interviews, TV and social media appearances. This year Harper’s BAZAAR magazine awarded her the title of Visionary Woman 2020, aimed to recognize and honor high-achieving female leaders with true vision in several different fields. Furthermore, she is the Chair of the Explorers Club Hong Kong Chapter, and currently she is still searching for life on Mars!

If you would like to learn more about Angélica’s work on Mars analogue research and astrobiology, check out her website www.angelicaangles.com or follow her on Instagram @angelica_angles.

If you would like to learn more about the show you can email thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.

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Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com