On April 30, Dr. Joel Hurowitz from the Department of Geosciences presented his collaborative research on the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry, or PIXL, which will be part of the scientific payload of the Mars 2020 rover mission. PIXL is a micro-focus X-ray fluorescence instrument used to detect chemical “biosignatures” in rocks to determine if there was microbial life along Mars’s previous flowing rivers. PIXL, importantly, will help provide a better understanding of the paleo-environmental conditions on Mars.
This intriguing lecture not only was well-attended but also ignited a rich discussion by students and faculty. Additionally, the lecture attracted Robert Emproto from University Communications to come to the presentation. He wrote a short story on the lecture that is featured in SBU News. Congratulations to Dr. Hurowitz!
Clara Tran
Email: clara.tran@stonybrook.edu
