Larry Crumpler • July 28, 2016

Field Report From Mars: Sol 4410 - June 20, 2016

Opportunity is finishing up its activities here in Marathon Valley, on the western rim of the 22 km-diameter Endeavour impact crater. Over the past few weeks it has been “walking” along a ridge inspecting the outcrops. From orbit this location was spied as containing significant clay minerals, so the rocks here have been studied carefully.

NASA / JPL-Caltech / UA / NMMNH / Larry Crumpler

Opportunity's traverse so far

Part of the western rim of Endeavour showing the traverse thus far.

NASA / JPL-Caltech / UA / NMMNH / Larry Crumpler

Closer view of Opportunity's position in Marathon Valley

A closer look at the valley. Marathon Valley is an unusually deep “cut” in the rim of Endeavour. This may be part of the reason why we are seeing something a little different here. But maybe not. Science can be peculiar that way. (Which is why scientists tend to be skeptical of everything and test everything. When a bunch of scientists start saying the same thing, then you have some pretty significant results to talk about.) Those are 1 meter contours.

NASA / JPL-Caltech

Opportunity Hazcam shadow selfie, sol 4409

A shadow selfie using the front Hazcams, from the last drive yesterday.

NASA / JPL-Caltech / Cornell / ASU

Looking across Endeavour crater

The awesome view from the Navcams across the floor of Endeavour crater to the far rim, 22 km away.

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Larry Crumpler

Research Curator Volcanology and Space Sciences/Associate Research Professor for New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science/University of New Mexico
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