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The Martian
2018

Gorton Community Center Lake Forest, IL

with

Mark Hammergren

Astronomer, Adler Planetarium

and

Shane Larson

Research associate professor of physics and astronomy, Northwestern University; Associate Director, Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics

The Martian— A conversation about space exploration

Two astronomers discuss space exploration.

Gorton Community Center Lake Forest, IL

Film Synopsis

When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney, presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must use his wits, spirit, and scientific know-how to find a way to survive on the hostile planet.

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring "the Martian" home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney's safe return. Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, and helmed by master director Ridley Scott, The Martian was nominated for three Golden Globes. 



About the Speaker

Mark Hammergren, PhD, is an astronomer at the Adler Planetarium. His research interests include asteroids, comets, meteorites, and their effects on life on Earth, and the history and sociology of the flying saucer phenomenon. He directs the Astro-Science Workshop, a summer program for science-interested high school students currently in its 49th year, and cofounded the Adler’s Far Horizons citizen space exploration team.

Dr. Shane Larson is currently a Research Associate Professor at Northwestern University and the Associate Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA). When he is not pursuing his personal interests, it’s a good bet he’ll be doing something related to physics, astronomy, and communicating science to the broader world.