Golombek became familiar to millions last summer as he described for the media the significance of the high-resolution images sent back to earth from the camera atop the Mars Pathfinder lander. His talk on the scientific results of the mission will kick off the open house from 1 to 2 p.m. Also featured will be the unveiling of a mural by Santa Barbara artist John Iwerks and a map display by Thomas W. Dibble Jr. that shows the geology of the San Fernando Valley area from Camarillo to Pasadena. The artists used research by CSUN students and faculty to create the mural, in which camels, whales and other Miocene era animals, volcanoes and a major river system can be seen. Mounted on another wall are 18 maps, published by Thomas W. Dibblee Jr. of the Dibblee Geological Foundation, that show the geology of the valley, Santa Monica Mountains and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains. Both the maps and the mural are 6 by 13 feet and will provide a major educational focus for CSUN geology classes.
Children can make their own fossil impressions at one of the displays.
The event is open to the public without charge. Golombek will speak in the Little Theater of the Speech-Drama building. All other events will be in the geological sciences department, second floor, Science 1. Science 1 is located on Lindley Avenue on the south side of the campus. Parking is available in public parking Lot C. Cal State Northridge is at 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge.