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.

Larry Crumpler

Research Curator Volcanology and Space Sciences/Associate Research Professor for New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science/University of New Mexico
Read more articles by Larry Crumpler

Let's Change the World

Become a member of The Planetary Society and together we will create the future of space exploration.

Join Today

The Planetary Fund

Support enables our dedicated journalists to research deeply and bring you original space exploration articles.

Donate