Tag Archives: MSL

Curiosity update: Refining composition and mineralogy at Aberlady

Posted on April 13, 2019 by rburnham

Sols 2376-77, April 13, 2019, update by MSL scientist Vivian Sun: We are continuing the sequence of drill activities at Aberlady. We will be collecting APXS of the dump pile with two offset observations to better understand any compositional variations, … Continue reading →

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Curiosity update: CheMin success at Aberlady!

Posted on April 12, 2019 by rburnham

Sol 2375, April 12, 2019, update by MSL scientist Kristen Bennett: Today we received the initial results from CheMin’s analysis of the “Aberlady” drill sample, and they look great! This means that CheMin received enough sample and we do not … Continue reading →

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Curiosity update: Taking some time for remote science

Posted on April 11, 2019 by rburnham

Sol 2374, April 11, 2019, update by MSL scientist Rachel Kronyak: This week’s drill activities have been very power-intensive for Curiosity. So we’ll spend today, Sol 2374, catching up on some remote science observations while waiting for data from yesterday’s … Continue reading →

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Curiosity tastes first sample in ‘clay-bearing unit’

Posted on April 11, 2019 by rburnham

Scientists working with NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover have been excited to explore a region called “the clay-bearing unit” since before the spacecraft launched. Now, the rover has finally tasted its first sample from this part of Mount Sharp. Curiosity drilled … Continue reading →

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Curiosity: Aberlady drill hole

Posted on April 11, 2019 by rburnham

Sol 2374, April 11, 2019. The Remote Micro-Imager on Curiosity took a look into the Aberlady drill hole, recording numerous ChemCam laser zap spots. Also visible is a thin light-toned layer that may be calcium sulfate (gypsum). Click the image … Continue reading →

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Latest weather at Gale Crater and Elysium Planitia

Posted on April 11, 2019 by rburnham

Daily Elysium charts and data (temperature, wind speed, atmospheric pressure) here.

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Curiosity update: To sample or not to sample? That is the question.

Posted on April 10, 2019 by rburnham

Sol 2373, April 10, 2019, update by MSL scientist Fred Calef: After looking at our exciting new drill hole, “Aberlady,” a few interesting observations were made: the drilled block lifted up a centimeter or two as the drill was retracted, … Continue reading →

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Curiosity update: Drill success at Aberlady!

Posted on April 10, 2019 by rburnham

Sol 2372, April 9, 2019, update by MSL scientist Rachel Kronyak: Our drill attempt at target “Aberlady” this weekend was a success! In today’s plan we are continuing our investigation of Aberlady and the surrounding areas and preparing to deliver … Continue reading →

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Curiosity update: This is why we came to Gale

Posted on April 8, 2019 by rburnham

Sols 2369-71, April 5, 2019, update by MSL scientist Scott Guzewich: We are go for full drill! Today’s plan will see Curiosity execute the final preparatory steps and then drill at our “Aberlady” bedrock target (seen here underneath the rover’s … Continue reading →

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Curiosity: At the point…

Posted on April 5, 2019 by rburnham

Sol 2368, April 5, 2019. A partial front Hazcam image shows the rover’s drill poised to bite into the target dubbed Aberlady. Click the image to enlarge it. Sol 2368 raw images (from all cameras).

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