Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.

We'll post a picture of your rock on the web, and give you a report on what kind of rock it is. We'll also send you an official certificate and Mars sticker for your contribution. View some rocks that have been sent in!

If you've already sent in a rock and received your certificate, view a picture of your rock and its spectrum!

Here is an example of a rock and its "fingerprint," otherwise known as its spectrum. Every rock has a unique fingerprint. This one tells us that the gray rock is basalt, which comes from volcanos.

Your rock will be kept in a special collection where scientists from around the world can come to study them. It's really important that you send a rock in or on the ground in its natural setting. Avoid rocks that are decorative or used in landscaping as they could have come from other regions on Earth.

Here's how you can participate:

Minimum to send:

• Rock - minimum 2" / maximum 6" (preferred 4" size)
• Name
• Age
• Address (to send certificate and sticker - not released)
• Name of city/village and country (include zipcode if US)
• Clean rock - wash with water if dirty (make free of dirt)

NOTE: Only First Names, Age, and Cities will be listed on the web

Optional:

• Latitude/longitude of sample site
• Name of geographic feature (if it has one) where rock was collected
• Copy of map with location where rock was collected
• Picture of rock in person's hand for scale
• Picture of location where rock was collected (with no people)
• Short paragraph describing area where rock was collected
• Phone number

Place to Send Your Rock: