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Dr. Timothy Goudge and Kristen Batalia with UT Austin\u2019s Environmental Science Institute joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to preview \u201cBig Rivers on Mars!,\u201d the latest edition of Hot Science \u2013 Cool Talks.<\/p>\n
Bringing science to life<\/p>\n
\u201cHot Science \u2013 Cool Talks is a fun, family-friendly lecture series from the Environmental Science Institute at UT Austin,\u201d Batalia said.<\/p>\n
Each event features an expert exploring a different scientific topic, but the experience goes beyond sitting through a lecture.<\/p>\n
Friday\u2019s event begins with hands-on, interactive activities where guests can engage with scientists and get a taste of what it\u2019s like to do the work themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re going to feel like scientists for the evening,\u201d Batalia said.<\/p>\n
Guests can explore 3D landscapes of Mars, analyze rock and mineral samples and even test the water quality of local rivers. After the activities, attendees will head into the auditorium for a special musical performance before Goudge takes the stage.<\/p>\n
![\"{p}\u201cLife](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/eb57cec4-6c14-4c7b-8e0b-09ac284cef93-CRATER.png\")
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\u201cLife as we know it, on Earth at least, water is one of the key ingredients,\u201d Goudge said. \u201cIt\u2019s not the only ingredient, but it\u2019s one that, as we understand it, life everywhere requires.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why water on Mars matters<\/p>\n
One of the biggest questions scientists are trying to answer is whether life ever existed on Mars.<\/p>\n
Water could provide an important piece of that puzzle.<\/p>\n
\u201cLife as we know it, on Earth at least, water is one of the key ingredients,\u201d Goudge said. \u201cIt\u2019s not the only ingredient, but it\u2019s one that, as we understand it, life everywhere requires.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scientists believe Mars had water on its surface around 3.5 billion years ago. Goudge said evidence suggests the planet was once habitable, but he stressed that being habitable is very different from being inhabited.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat does not mean there was life there,\u201d Goudge said. \u201cThe conditions were right for life, but we still don\u2019t really know if there ever was life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Understanding the history of water on Mars can help researchers determine whether the planet once had the conditions necessary for life to develop and survive.<\/p>\n
![\"{p}Dr.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0fa99f6a-380c-4ff2-b52f-877dc09592e2-POSTER.png\")
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Dr. Timothy Goudge and Kristen Batalia with UT Austin\u2019s Environmental Science Institute joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to preview \u201cBig Rivers on Mars!,\u201d the latest edition of Hot Science \u2013 Cool Talks.<\/p>\n
Reading the rocks from millions of miles away<\/p>\n
Scientists don\u2019t have to stand on Mars to study its ancient rivers.<\/p>\n
Goudge said much of his research relies on data collected by satellites orbiting the planet. He compared the process to switching on satellite view while using Google Maps.<\/p>\n
Instead of searching for roads, buildings or parking lots, researchers examine rocks exposed across the Martian surface.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe history of Earth and other planets is recorded in its record of rocks,\u201d Goudge said. \u201cWe use those rocks to try and reconstruct those past environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those observations can help scientists identify evidence of ancient waterways and piece together what Mars may have looked like billions of years ago.<\/p>\n
So, was there ever life on Mars?<\/p>\n
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Friday\u2019s event begins with hands-on, interactive activities where guests can engage with scientists and get a taste of what it\u2019s like to do the work themselves.<\/p>\n
That question remains unanswered.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I had the answer to that, I would be much richer than I am right now,\u201d Goudge joked.<\/p>\n
Researchers hope future exploration, including efforts to bring Martian samples back to Earth for laboratory analysis, can provide more answers.<\/p>\n
For Goudge, either possibility would be fascinating.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt tells us: is life unique on Earth or is it kind of just the normal thing that happens?\u201d he said. \u201cThe answer either way is super fascinating about what it means for life in our solar system and potentially beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBig Rivers on Mars!\u201d takes place Friday, Sept. 18, as part of UT Austin\u2019s Hot Science \u2013 Cool Talks series.<\/a><\/p>\n The event is free, but Batalla recommends reserving a spot in advance because tickets can go quickly.<\/p>\n
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