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Mars Crater Surface

(Lake Erie Mars Society (Western NY & NW PA) Chapter)

Our Focus​

  • Community Engagement — connecting people across the Lake Erie region

  • Science & Education — Mars, astrobiology, exoplanets, and space exploration

  • Future Initiatives — including a virtual exoplanet & astrobiology interactive museum

  • Regional Collaboration — partnering with local institutions to expand STEM access

About the Lake Erie Chapter

Who We Are

The Lake Erie Chapter of the Mars Society is a regional community of people across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania who share a curiosity about Mars exploration, astrobiology, human spaceflight, and the broader question of life beyond Earth.
We welcome students, educators, lifelong learners, and anyone who feels inspired by the idea of exploring new worlds.

Our chapter serves as a local extension of the International Mars Society, supporting its mission through education, outreach, and public engagement tailored to the Lake Erie region.

Our Mission​

We work to make space science accessible, engaging, and relevant to our local communities.
Our goals include:

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  • Public Outreach — talks, community programs, and regional events

  • STEM Education — focusing on Mars, exoplanets, astrobiology, and the future of exploration

  • Community Building — creating a welcoming space for people who want to learn, share, and participate

  • Future Initiatives — including the development of a virtual exoplanet and astrobiology interactive museum

 

Everything we do is grounded in curiosity, scientific literacy, and the belief that exploration belongs to everyone.

Our Regional Focus

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The Lake Erie region has a long history of innovation, education, and community involvement.
Our chapter builds on that foundation by:

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  • Partnering with local schools, libraries, and organizations

  • Offering programs that connect global space exploration to local learning opportunities

  • Encouraging participation from people of all ages and backgrounds

 

We aim to make Western New York a place where conversations about Mars, life in the universe, and the future of humanity feel both exciting and accessible.

Looking Ahead

As we grow, we plan to expand our educational offerings, strengthen regional partnerships, and develop new interactive experiences — including a virtual museum exploring exoplanets, astrobiology, and the search for life.
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Our chapter is evolving, and we invite the community to evolve with us.

Upcoming Events

BELOW ARE SOME EVENTS and ACTIVITIES from OTHER CHAPTERS

Our Regional Activities
The Lake Erie Chapter hosts and participates in events that bring Mars exploration, astrobiology, and space science to communities across Western New York.
 These include public talks, library programs, community science nights, virtual sessions, and collaborations with local schools and organizations.

Current Schedule
We update this section regularly as new events are confirmed.
No public events are currently scheduled.
New programs and community activities will be announced here as they are added.
If you’d like to receive updates, you can connect through our Contact Section or check back anytime.

Types of Events We Host​

  • Public Talks & Presentations — Mars exploration, astrobiology, exoplanets, and human spaceflight

  • Community Programs — library events, science nights, and local collaborations

  • Virtual Sessions — online discussions and interactive learning experiences

  • Future Initiatives — including programs connected to the upcoming virtual exoplanet & astrobiology museum

Invite Us to Your Organization​

We welcome invitations from:

  • Schools

  • Libraries

  • Community groups

  • Science clubs

  • Local organizations

If you’d like to host a program or explore a collaboration, reach out through the Contact Section.

How to Request an Interview or Statement

We welcome inquiries from:

  • Local and regional news outlets

  • Schools and educational media

  • Science communicators and podcasters

  • Community organizations

To request an interview, quote, or background information, please visit the Contact Section.

Volunteer and Membership Opportunities

Be Part of Our Local Space Community

The Lake Erie Chapter of the Mars Society is built on community involvement.
Whether you’re passionate about Mars, curious about astrobiology, or simply enjoy learning and sharing science with others, there’s a place for you here.
You don’t need any special background — just interest, enthusiasm, and a willingness to participate.

Ways to Get Involved​

  • Community Events — help with local programs, library events, and public talks

  • Educational Outreach — support STEM activities focused on Mars, exoplanets, and astrobiology

  • Chapter Development — assist with planning, communications, and future initiatives

  • Virtual Participation — join online discussions and help shape the upcoming virtual museum project

Volunteers can contribute as much or as little as they like — from occasional help at events to ongoing involvement.

Membership
Our chapter is free and open to everyone in the Lake Erie region who wants to explore Mars, astrobiology, and the future of human spaceflight.
There are no fees or formal requirements.  However, we recommend that members also join the International Mars Society, which supports global advocacy, research, and outreach efforts.

Supporting Memberships Through Donations
Some of our programs accept donations or small participation fees.  These funds are kept in a separate chapter account and are used exclusively to support chapter activities — not business operations.
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One of the ways we use these funds is to help cover the cost of International Mars Society memberships for local chapter participants who wish to join the global organization.
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This ensures that anyone who wants to be part of the broader Mars Society community can do so — regardless of financial circumstances.

Why Volunteer?​​

  • Support science education in your community

  • Connect with others who share your interests

  • Help bring space exploration to local audiences

  • Contribute to future initiatives like the virtual exoplanet & astrobiology museum

  • Be part of a regional effort linked to the International Mars Society

Your involvement helps strengthen space science outreach across Western New York.

Ready to Join Us?
If you’d like to volunteer, participate, or simply learn more, visit the Contact Section and send a message.
We’ll follow up with upcoming opportunities and ways to get involved.

Outreach and Future Initiatives

Our Commitment to Regional Outreach
The Lake Erie Chapter of the Mars Society is dedicated to bringing space science, Mars exploration, and astrobiology to communities across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
We believe that exploration begins locally — in schools, libraries, community centers, and conversations that spark curiosity.
Our outreach efforts focus on making complex scientific ideas accessible, engaging, and relevant to people of all ages.

Current Outreach Activities​

  • Community Programs — presentations, science nights, and public discussions

  • Educational Sessions — Mars, exoplanets, astrobiology, and human exploration

  • Collaborations — partnering with schools, libraries, and local organizations

  • Virtual Engagement — online talks and interactive learning experiences

These programs help connect global space exploration to local learning opportunities.

Future Initiatives

We are actively developing new ways to bring space science to the region, including:

Virtual Exoplanet & Astrobiology Interactive Museum

A long‑term initiative that will offer:

  • Interactive exhibits on exoplanets and habitability

  • Astrobiology learning modules

  • Virtual exploration experiences

  • Community‑driven content and educational resources

This project will allow people to explore new worlds from anywhere — and will serve as a signature educational offering for the chapter.

Expanded Community Partnerships

We plan to grow our collaborations with:

  • Schools and educators

  • Public libraries

  • Science clubs and youth programs

  • Community organizations across the Lake Erie region

These partnerships help bring space science directly to local audiences.

Enhanced Public Programming

As the chapter grows, we aim to offer:

  • More frequent public talks

  • Themed series on Mars, life in the universe, and human exploration

  • Special events tied to space missions and discoveries

  • Opportunities for members to help lead or co‑host programs

How You Can Participate
If you’d like to help shape these initiatives — or propose new ones — we welcome your involvement.
Visit the Volunteer & Membership Section above to learn how you can contribute to outreach, planning, or future projects.

Resources and Links

Explore Mars, Astrobiology, and Human Exploration

Although not an exhaustive list this section provides a curated set of trusted, high‑quality resources for anyone interested in Mars exploration, exoplanets, astrobiology, and the broader future of human spaceflight. These links support students, educators, community members, and lifelong learners across the Lake Erie region.

  • NASA Mars Exploration Program — Mission updates, rover data, images, and educational materials

  • Mars Society (International) — Global advocacy, research, and membership information

  • Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) — High‑resolution imagery and science data

  • Perseverance Rover & Ingenuity — Mission science, videos, and interactive tools

Astrobiology & Life in the Universe

  • NASA Astrobiology Program — Research on life’s origins, evolution, and habitability

  • Exoplanet Exploration Program — Discoveries, visualizations, and educator resources

  • SETI Institute — Research on life beyond Earth and technosignatures

  • Astrobiology Primer — A foundational overview for students and educators

Exoplanets & Habitability

  • NASA Exoplanet Catalog — Search and explore confirmed exoplanets

  • Kepler & K2 Missions — Data, discoveries, and educational tools

  • TESS Mission — Current exoplanet discoveries and mission updates

  • Planetary Habitability Lab — Habitable zone research and Earth‑similarity metrics

Human Spaceflight & Exploration

  • NASA Artemis Program — Returning humans to the Moon as a step toward Mars

  • Human Research Program — How space affects the human body

  • Mars Mission Concepts — Habitat designs, mission plans, and exploration strategies

Educational Resources for Teachers & Students

  • NASA STEM Engagement — Lesson plans, activities, and educator toolkits

  • JPL Education — Classroom activities tied to real missions

  • Mars in the Classroom — Hands‑on Mars science activities

  • Astrobiology for Educators — Inquiry‑based lessons and modules

Contact the Lake Erie Chapter

We’d Love to Hear From You
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, hosting a program, collaborating with your organization, or simply learning more about Mars exploration and astrobiology, we welcome your message.
Our chapter is community‑driven, and your involvement helps shape our outreach across the Lake Erie region.

How to Reach Us
📧 Email
For general inquiries, outreach requests, or volunteer interest:
centiastrospace@gmail.com  or  centiastrospace@centiastrospace.com
🌐 Website
Visit our main site for updates, resources, and chapter information:
www.christophermichaelsci.com
Contact Form

Send us a message
and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Lake Erie Chapter of the Mars Society

A community exploring Mars, space science, and the search for life — right here in the Lake Erie region.

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We bring together people across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania who are curious about Mars exploration, astrobiology, human spaceflight, and the future of life beyond Earth.
Our chapter supports the mission of the International Mars Society through public outreach, STEM education, and regional collaboration with schools, libraries, and community organizations.

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Whether you’re a student, educator, enthusiast, or lifelong learner, you’re welcome to be part of a local community that looks outward — toward new worlds, new discoveries, and the possibilities of human exploration.

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