News Briefs

News Briefs
RICE NEWS OFFICE
March 12, 1998

Mars Findings to Be Published in Science

Observations that Mars has scattered crustal magnetic fields will be published
in the March 13 issue of Science. Paul Cloutier, professor of space physics
and astronomy, is a co-investigator on the Mars Global Surveyor team that obtained
the findings.

Cloutier says their observations indicate that Mars probably once had an active
internal magnetic dynamo, similar to the one that gives Earth its magnetic field
today.

"We were able to see small-scale fields in different areas on the surface
of Mars," Cloutier said, "implying that early Mars probably had a
magnetic field similar to Earth’s."

Cloutier says a better understanding of the magnetic field will shed light
on whether the geologic processes that caused the magnetic field also created
persistent volcanism, which drives geologic gases to the surface, creating an
atmosphere. "Studying the magnetic fields may tell us about the history
of Mars and whether it had a stable environment conducive to the origins of
life."

Curator to Discuss ‘Reflex Chamber’

Stephanie Smith, assistant curator at the Rice University Art Gallery, will
lead a gallery talk on the new video installation "Reflex Chamber"
by internationally renowned artist Gary Hill at 6 p.m. March 12. For details
call (713) 527-6069.

‘Unity Through Diversity’ to Feature Culture Fair, Talent, Slide Shows

"Unity Through Diversity" continues March 12 with a 7 p.m. artist
slide presentation on "Vietnam: Two Views," sponsored by the Rice
Vietnamese Student Association. The show will be held in Farns-worth Pavilion
of the Ley Student Center.

The culture fair, opening at 2 p.m. March 14 in Grand Hall, will feature music,
food, booths, dance and games between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. A buffet dinner featuring
Jamaican and Indian cuisine will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the second annual
multicultural talent show and ADVANCE fashion show at 7 p.m.

To partake in the buffet dinner, present a Rice ID or $9.25.