Sat. May 20, 2017 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Convention Hall A (International Conference Hall 2F)

convener:Hideaki Miyamoto(University of Tokyo), Tomohiro Usui(Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology ), Ayako Matsuoka(Research Division for Space Plasma, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Sushil K Atreya(University of Michigan Ann Arbor), Chairperson:Sushil Atreya(University of Michigan Ann Arbor), Chairperson:Ayako Matsuoka(Research Division for Space Plasma, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)

The study of Mars is rapidly adding new chapters with the US, European, Russian, AND Asian missions. A total of seven active missions (5 in orbit: Odyssey, MRO, MAVEN, Mars Express, and Mangalyaan, and 2 on the surface: MSL-Curiosity and MER-Opportunity) is the largest number ever at a given time at Mars, which demonstrates humanity's strong commitment to Mars exploration and its scientific significance. Synergetic investigations with on-going or already completed missions together with theoretical and numerical studies and earth-based remote sensing observations are gradually revealing the nature of Earth's most closely resembling but reddish planet. Morphology and variable phenomena seen on the surface (RSLs, for example) indicate the red planet may possibly be still active, and require a clear understanding of its current geologic and atmospheric state, climate evolution and habitability. Thus, this session is planned to discuss recent results from a broad spectrum of Mars studies (the surface, atmosphere, interior, surrounding plasma environment, Mars system including its two satellites, and the system's evolution history). Abstracts on instrumentation and future mission plans are also encouraged for this session, as both the presenters and the listeners would greatly benefit from discussions and feedbacks.