NASA Curiosity rover investigates shiny object on Mars

cnet.com ^ | November 29, 2018 10:21 AM PST | Amanda Kooser

[BenLurkin]

The target of Curiosity's curiosity is nicknamed "Little Colonsay" and it looks like a small nugget. The rover's ChemCam captured a close-up view of the object on Monday.

"The planning team thinks it might be a meteorite because it is so shiny," writes Curiosity team member Susanne Schwenzer. "But looks can deceive, and proof will only come from the chemistry."

uriosity's ChemCam is a suite of instruments that includes a camera, spectographs and a laser that helps NASA analyze the composition of Martian rocks and soil. The rover is scheduled to investigate Little Colonsay with the ChemCam to determine if it really is a meteorite.

NASA has spotted bright and shiny objects on Mars before. An odd bright piece seen by Curiosity in 2012 turned out to likely be a small plastic part from the rover. Another mystery particle from the same year was a little bit of Mars.

[dragnet2]

Well, I'm glad you were able to, "Blow off some steam". Maybe it'll help with the fear and anxiety.☺

[Windflier]

I’d guess there has to be some kind of motive which causes grown adults to be reduced to 8 year-olds making the same agonizing potty jokes and dumb quips over and over. Very odd.

I agree. 'Tis a puzzlement.

[Kickass Conservative]

The Hoffman Crew is getting right on it.