The Mars Meteorite: A case study in controls on dissemination of science news

摘要

Through interview with participants and analysis of media reports, this paper reconstructs the preparations for the 1996 announcement of the discovery of evidence of fossilized life in a meteorite from Mars. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) attempted to manipulate the timing And manner of press coverage. Contrary to the stated rationale for embargoes on science news, Premature disclosure of the paper in the media resulted in new coverage that was largely accurate.