November Presentation: The Mariner 4 Mission to Mars
Roger Bourke
November 4, 2026
In the mid-60’s the space race was on. While the main event was getting humans to the moon, in another arena there was contest to see who would be first to get a spacecraft to another planet. Both sides were banging away. On November 28, 1964 the US launched Mariner 4 and it made it. Not only did it make it, it fundamentally changed human-kinds impression of the red planet. This talk will give the history or that mission.
The presentation will be given by Roger Bourke [pronounced Burk]. Roger was educated at Stanford University where he received BS, MS and PhD degrees in 1960, ’61 and ’64 respectively. The last was in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Upon graduation he joined the Caltech Jet Propulsion Lab in the early years of planetary exploration. At JPL he was involved in designing several planetary missions including the first orbiter of another planet, the first multi-planet mission, and the Voyager mission to the four outer planets, which was launched in 1977 and is still returning data from well beyond the solar system. Prior to his retirement from JPL in 2000, he was on the team planning the international Mars exploration program that has since resulted in multiple orbiters, landers and rovers on the surface.
He now splits his time between La Cañada, California and Alta, Utah where he was elected mayor in 2021. He continues to enjoy mountain sports including skiing in winter and hiking in summer. He is married to Margaret (nee Dunk), has three children and four grandchildren.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, November 4, 5 pm: Monthly pre-meeting dinner
Asian Garden, 2074 Nevada City Hwy, Grass Valley
Google Maps location
Each month we get together for family-style Chinese food and socializing prior to our meeting. Members: watch the Groups.io email list to RSVP.
Wednesday, November 4, 7 pm: Monthly meeting and presentation
Gene Albaugh Community Room, Madelyn Helling Library,
980 Helling Way, Nevada City
Google Maps location
Roger Bourke will talk about the first successful mission to the planet Mars.
Saturday, November 7th, 5 pm: Potluck and star party at Ania's house
Home of Ania Brandysiewcz
See email copy of Newsletter for address and map.
This event always has good food, good camaraderie, and plenty of stars. Mark your calendar to join us again. Please bring a dish to share with others, and BYOB if desired. If you have them, please also bring your own telescope and binoculars. The nights can be cool, so plan to bring warm clothing, too.
Wednesday, November 18, 5 pm: Astronomy on Tap
1849 Brewing Company, 468 Sutton Way, Grass Valley
Google Maps location
Join us for beer and blather the third Wednesday of every month.
** Note **
For the “Summer Season” (July and August) the NC Astronomers will sometimes meet on-line via Zoom for special programs. Club members will receive the keys to the Zoom conference in their email via Groups.io.
NC Astronomers Meets on the 1st Wednesday each month at 7pm in the
Madelyn Helling Library Community Room
980 Helling Way
Nevada City, CA 95959
(September – May)
** NC Astronomers “YouTube” channel **
Many of the presentations are recorded and posted to the club’s YouTube channel.
Please see https://www.youtube.com/@ncastronomers9981/videos