If your goal is becoming a world-wide famous poet, perhaps you need to dream bigger. How about becoming a famous intergalactic poet instead?

NASA is currently seeking poetry to send to Mars as part of a campaign to raise awareness for their Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft launch, scheduled for November. Specifically, they’re looking for haiku submissions, and the three winners will be included on a DVD that is sent to the red planet. The names of everyone who submits an entry will also be included on the DVD.

The contest is open to anyone over the age of 18 who submits a haiku (in English). The deadline for entry is July 1, and after submissions are collected, the public will be invited to vote for their favorites.

You can submit your haiku here.

MAVEN’s primary role is to study Mars to learn more about how its climate evolved. As of now, scientists believe that Mars once had a much thicker atmosphere, given the features that resemble riverbeds seem to indicate that the planet was once warm enough to be home to flowing water. MAVEN will answer questions about loss of atmospheric gases over time.

The Going to Mars Campaign is coordinated by the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics. Once you submit your haiku, you have the option of printing a “certificate of appreciation” to commemorate your contribution to the project. MAVEN principal investigator Bruce Jakosky from the University of Colorado says he hopes this will help get the next generation excited about science.

You can read more about MAVEN and the Going to Mars Campaign on NASA’s website.

Image [via]

Allison Boyer is the Online Education Coordinator for NMX University, where you can learn more about blogging, podcasting, web TV, and social business. She also runs the food blog The PinterTest Kitchen with her mom and sister.