Posted on 08/06/2004 4:06:21 PM PDT by ElkGroveDan
As NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity creeps farther into "Endurance Crater," the dune field on the crater floor appears even more dramatic. This false-color image taken by the rover's panoramic camera shows that the dune crests have accumulated more dust than the flanks of the dunes and the flat surfaces between them. Also evident is a "blue" tint on the flat surfaces as compared to the dune flanks. This results from the presence of the hematite-containing spherules ("blueberries") that accumulate on the flat surfaces.
Sinuous tendrils of sand less than 1 meter (3.3 feet) high extend from the main dune field toward the rover. Scientists hope to send the rover down to one of these tendrils in an effort to learn more about the characteristics of the dunes. Dunes are a common feature across the surface of Mars, and knowledge gleaned from investigating the Endurance dunes close-up may apply to similar dunes elsewhere.
Before the rover heads down to the dunes, rover drivers must first establish whether the slippery slope that leads to them is firm enough to ensure a successful drive back out of the crater. Otherwise, such hazards might make the dune field a true sand trap.
Larger image at http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/press/opportunity/20040806a/Sol187B_P2546_L257false-B187R1.jpg
BTTT
Cool. BTTT.
I would give anything to ride my dirt bike over that.
Neat picture. Thanks for posting.
Very, very cool!
Spirit and Opportunity have advanced our understanding of the planet Mars beyond our wildest dreams.
Go, Go, Go!!!!!
Man I love these rover threads. Amazing is the only thing I can think of to say.
NFP
OOOooo.. ,, Way cool!
That would make a great design on a tshirt or tank top. ;-)
O, I hope there aren't any Rover Lions out in those dunes.
Im sure the Martians are well armed. ;-)
That is some pretty incredible stuff (yes, I know it's just a bunch of sand in the bottom of a crater) ;-)
from 'fossils' to blueberries by the bushel basket full in that pic, Mars is full of surprises ..
The rovers have lasted twice their expected run times and keep limping along finding more and more interesting items.
I like those trails left by some of the little balls. Interesting that only a few moved - or were they knocked or vibrated by the rover and rolled?
It's just so insect looking, like a spider hole, I don't
know of anything on the rover that would make that,other
than the RAT.
Why would they use the RAT on soft ground?
Odd.
Damn four wheelers ruin everything.
Those backpack are probably full of NASA beer.
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