A group of science fiction writers, academic luminaries and NASA scientists will debate terraforming Mars at NASA Ames Research Center on March 30, 2004.

The debate is the first in a new series of discussions entitled "Science Fiction Meets Science Fact," and is the result of a shared vision between NASA, Breakpoint Media and the upcoming Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle. The free, open-to-the-public debate will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST in the main tent on the Moffett Field parade grounds at NASA Ames.

The first debate, "Transforming Mars" will feature:

Sir Arthur C. Clarke - Award-winning author of "2001, A Space Odyssey"
Kim Stanley Robinson - Hugo & Nebula award-winning author of the "Mars Trilogy"
Greg Bear - Hugo & Nebula award-winning author of "Moving Mars"
Dr. James Kasting - professor of geoscience at Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Christopher McKay - planetary scientist at NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. John Rummel - planetary protection officer, NASA
Dr. Lisa Pratt - NASA Astrobiology Institute subsurface group, Indiana University

The debate moderator will be Dr. Donna Shirley, director of the new Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Shirley is the former manager of NASA's Mars Exploration Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., and the original leader of the team that built the highly acclaimed Mars Pathfinder rover.

The debate is part of the Astrobiology Science Conference, which will be held at NASA Ames from March 28 through April 1. For further information about the conference, visit http://abscicon.arc.nasa.gov/

Posted March 26, 2004