NASA, Microsoft create 'Martian' Web site

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- NASA and the Microsoft Corp. say they've created the "Be a Martian" Web site where Internet users can have fun while advancing their knowledge of Mars.

Officials said the Web site enables the public to participate as citizen-scientists to improve Martian maps, take part in research tasks and assist Mars science teams studying data about the Red Planet.

"We're at a point in history where everyone can be an explorer," said Doug McCuistion, director of NASA's Mars Exploration Program. "With so much data coming back from Mars missions that are accessible by all, exploring Mars has become a shared human endeavor. People worldwide can expand the specialized efforts of a few hundred Mars mission team members and make authentic contributions of their own."

For example, NASA said by counting craters, the public might help scientists determine the relative ages of small regions on Mars. Web site users will also have the opportunity to win game points, NASA added.

The site allows software developers to win prizes for creating tools that provide access to and analysis of hundreds of thousands of Mars images for online, classroom and Mars mission team use.

"The beauty of this type of experience is that it not only teaches people about Mars and the work NASA is doing there, but it also engages large groups of people to help solve real challenges that computers cannot solve by themselves," said Marc Mercuri, director of business innovation in the Developer and Platform Evangelism Group at Microsoft.

The site is available at http://beamartian.jpl.nasa.gov.