From Great Salt Lake to Mars

Utah's Great Salt Lake is a fantastic model for ancient salt lakes that dried up on Mars. Life is preserved in the salt and minerals around our lake, do you think that Martian minerals could be holding on to life that used to live on the red planet? This presentation will suggest ways to think about that question.

Bonnie K. Baxter, Ph.D. is a Professor of Biology and Director of Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster University, which focuses on collaborative research and community connections. Dr. Baxter researches the lake’s extreme microbiology, especially the foundation of the ecosystem-the algae and cyanobacteria that feed the brine shrimp and flies. She has published a trove of scientific articles on the lake’s extreme biology, the first academic book on the biology of Great Salt Lake, and the first children’s book about this lake. Dedicated to public speaking, Dr. Baxter has become a “spokescientist,” explaining the water crisis at the lake to government representatives, the media, and the community

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please reserve only the number of tickets you will use.

About Science Utah:

The Science Utah Lecture Series is dedicated to bringing the latest scientific discoveries and discussions to the public, for free, by offering engaging lectures led by Utah-based scientists and researchers working in various fields.

To help support Clark Planetarium's efforts, please consider making a small donation at https://givebutter.com/ScienceUT. All donations aid Clark Planetarium and the free community events we offer year-round. Your contribution is invaluable in helping us inspire and educate people of all ages about the wonder of the universe.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Clark Planetarium, 110 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, United States