Posted on 01/25/2012 4:20:45 AM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Where on Mars should you spend the winter? As winter approached in the southern hemisphere of Mars last November, the Opportunity rover had just this problem -- it needed a place to go. The reduced amount of sunlight impacting Opportunity's solar panels combined with the extra power needed to keep equipment warm could drain Opportunity's batteries. Therefore Opportunity was instructed to climb onto the 15 degree incline of Greeley's Haven, shown as the rocky slope ahead. The incline increased power input as Opportunity's solar panels now have greater exposure to sunlight, while also giving the rolling robot some interesting landscape to explore. Visible in the distance, beyond Greeley Haven, lies expansive Endeavour Crater, the ancient impact basin that Opportunity will continue exploring as the Martian winter concludes in a few months, if it survives.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit: Mars Exploration Rover Mission, Cornell, JPL, NASA]
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Mars ain’t the kinda place to raise a kid.....or is it?
If we don’t get some rain soon, my lawn is going to look like that.
Simply amazing that the rover is still going. What an achievement.
It is absolutely incredible. Just about 8 years now, for a rover that was expected to last 3 months! Those guys should go into designing cars!
LOL!
The "Chevy Volt" Mars explorer would have cost twice as much with half the instruments, would have needed its gas engine after moving 20 feet and would have caught fire seven years ago.
Baloney. That ain’t Mars. That’s Arizona.
You’re right, in the near distance, near that rock, I see a tennis shoe I lost that time my car broke down.
Wholeheartedly agree.
LOL!
At least you’ll have enough air to breathe. :’)
It is cold as hell.
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