Category Archives: Reports

Curiosity update: Go SAM, go!

Sols 2397-99, May 3, 2019, update by MSL scientist Kristen Bennett: The first round of SAM experiments was successful, so in the weekend plan we get to move forward with the GCMS (Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer) experiment. First, additional sample … Continue reading

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HiRISE: Layers and ridges along Huo Hsing Vallis

Layers and ridges along Huo Hsing Vallis. The objective of this observation is to examine layers and ridges along Huo Hsing Vallis. Layers are especially evident in buttes next to a crater. Many fine networks of ridges may be inverted … Continue reading

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Curiosity: Looking near and far

Sol 2394, May 1, 2019. Curiosity’s Navcam looked ahead down the Glen Torridon “valley” toward Mt. Sharp, with Vera Rubin Ridge forming the skyline at left. At right is a four-frame composite by the Remote Micro-Imager on targets not far … Continue reading

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THEMIS: South polar cap at summer’s end

THEMIS Image of the Day, May 3, 2019. This VIS image shows part of the south polar cap. The cap is comprised of layers of ice and dust deposited over millions of years. This image was collected at the end … Continue reading

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HiRISE: Incipient chaos

Incipient chaos. The objective of this observation is to examine a possible early stage of chaos formation. The ground seems to be collapsing, forming mesas and a large channel that connects with Shalbatana Vallis. HiRISE Picture of the Day archive. … Continue reading

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Curiosity update: Powering through

Sols 2395-96, May 2, 2019, update by MSL scientist Michelle Minitti: The drop off of “Kilmarie” drill sample to SAM on Sol 2293 appeared to be successful, but we will not get the full results of the SAM analysis until … Continue reading

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THEMIS: Slopes and dunes of Sisyphi Cavi

THEMIS Image of the Day, May 2, 2019. This VIS image shows part of Sisyphi Cavi located in Noachis Terra near the south polar cap. Cavi are defined as steep sided depressions. Gullies dissect the cliff tops and dunes are … Continue reading

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Latest weather at Gale Crater and Elysium Planitia

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

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Curiosity update: Putting the L in MSL

Sols 2393-94, April 29, 2019, update by MSL scientist Ryan Anderson: Today’s main activities use the “laboratory” instruments SAM and CheMin inside of Curiosity to analyze some of the powder from the Kilmarie drill hole. SAM will do an Evolved … Continue reading

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HiRISE: Layers along a channel in Arabia Terra

Layers along a channel in Arabia Terra. The objective of this observation is to examine a set of dipping layers along the west wall of a channel. We are also able to see layers in the east wall of the … Continue reading

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