WASHINGTON -- NASA will hold a science update at 2 p.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 15, to discuss analysis of the Martian atmosphere that raises the possibility of life or geologic activity. The briefing will take place in the James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium at NASA Headquarters, 300 E St., S.W., Washington, and carried live on NASA Television.

The briefing participants are:

- Michael Meyer, Mars program lead scientist, NASA Headquarters in Washington

- Michael Mumma, senior planetary scientist and director, Goddard Center for Astrobiology, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

- Geronimo Villanueva, planetary scientist and astrobiologist, Goddard Space Flight Center

- Sushil Atreya, professor of atmospheric and space science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

- Lisa Pratt, professor of geological sciences, Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana

Reporters may ask questions from participating NASA locations. They also may listen or ask questions by phone. To reserve a phone line, contact J.D. Harrington at 202-358-5241.

For information about NASA TV, streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about Mars missions, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mars