Curiosity update: Touch and go, two days in a row

Sol 1782, August 10, 2017, update by MSL scientist Rachel Kronyak: Lately, one of our biggest science objectives is to conduct bedrock APXS measurements with every 5-meter climb in elevation. This allows us to systematically analyze geochemical changes in the Murray formation as we continue to climb Mount Sharp. Yesterday’s drive brought us 6 meters higher in elevation, so another touch and go for today it is! We’ll analyze the Murray target “Thorne” with APXS and MAHLI, followed by a short ChemCam observation on the same target. We’ll also take several additional Mastcam images of “Devilled Rocks” and “Butter ” which will document blocks on the slopes of the Vera Rubin Ridge (VRR)… [More at link]