The Martian: Fact, Fiction, and the Science of Survival
What does it really take to survive on Mars? The Martian (2015), directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, is an exhilarating tale of human ingenuity and resilience in the face of impossible odds. But how much of it is grounded in real science?
Experience this modern sci-fi epic on the big screen, complete with a special introduction from Dr. Kevin Lewis, planetary geophysicist and Curiosity Mars Rover team member from Johns Hopkins University’s Earth and Planetary Science Department.
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Meanwhile, millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring "the Martian" home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney's safe return.
Post-Film Discussion:
Join Dr. Kevin Lewis as he provides a “ground truth” perspective on the visuals and science depicted in The Martian, drawing on his real-world experience as a team member on the Curiosity Mars Rover. He’ll explore the Red Planet’s landscape, climate, and the challenges of survival, comparing the film’s depiction of Mars to what we actually know from robotic explorers.
This is your chance to engage directly with a scientist who has been at the forefront of Mars exploration, learn about the realities of driving a rover on another planet, and ask your burning questions about the Red Planet.
Science on Screen at the SNF Parkway Theatre
is made possible through a grant from the Coolidge Corner Theatre,
with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.