The red planet is soon to be in direct line with Earth – a rare event, as the two planets will not be this close again for the next 20 years.

There has also been recent interest in humans travelling to Mars, which is the only planet within the solar system that could, without too much difficulty, provide a habitat for humans. 

Robotic explorers have gathered complex information on the Martian geology and atmosphere and the presence of water on the planet and NASA has recently announced the existence of seasonal methane and organic molecules in four-billion-year-old rock layers.

Astronomer Ray Pickard, of the Bathurst Observatory, will give a talk, “Mars, Here We Come”, at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum this Sunday, June 24.

The talk will be held from 11.30am and the cost will be a gold coin for Friends of the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum members and $5 for non-members.

For visitors to the museum, the talk will be included in the museum entry price.

The Friends of the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, who are presenting the talk, say a light lunch will be available for free for members and for $5 for non-members.

RSVP (for catering purposes) on 6331 5511 by Friday, June 22.