Category Archives: Reports

Beyond Mars, the mini MarCO spacecraft fall silent

Before the pair of briefcase-sized spacecraft known collectively as MarCO launched last year, their success was measured by survival: If they were able to operate in deep space at all, they would be pushing the limits of experimental technology. Now … Continue reading

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Curiosity update: Targeting small bedrock patches, pebbles, and soil

Sols 2311-12, February 4, 2019, update by MSL scientist Roger Wiens: The accompanying image shows the target “Brent” in the lower right corner; it was analyzed with ChemCam and APXS, and imaged with MAHLI over the weekend. It is a … Continue reading

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HiRISE: A variety of surfaces and terrains

A variety of surfaces and terrains. This intriguing extraterrestrial terrain is located in the far northeast part of Acidalia Planitia, located between the Tharsis volcanic province and Arabia Terra to the north of Valles Marineris. HiRISE Picture of the Day … Continue reading

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THEMIS: Sea of dunes in Rabe Crater

THEMIS Image of the Day, February 5, 2019. This VIS image shows part of the floor of Rabe Crater. The floor of Rabe Crater has undergone several surface changing events. At some point after the crater was formed it was … Continue reading

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InSight: Seismometer now has a cozy shelter

For the past several weeks, NASA’s InSight lander has been making adjustments to the seismometer it set on the Martian surface on Dec. 19. Now it’s reached another milestone by placing a domed shield over the seismometer to help the … Continue reading

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ExoMars: Eberswalde Crater delta

This intricate structure of an ancient river delta once carried liquid water across the surface of Mars. The distinctive form of a delta arises from sediments that are deposited by a river as it enters slower-moving water, like a lake … Continue reading

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Opportunity report, Sol 5341, by A.J.S. Rayl, The Planetary Society

February 2, 2019: Opportunity Logs 15th Year in Silence, Team Begins ‘Hail Mary’ Efforts: As a string of dust storms moved through Meridiani Planum and over Endeavour Crater in January, Opportunity silently wrapped her fifteenth year on the surface of … Continue reading

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HiRISE: Bedrock delights

Bedrock delights. These gorgeous bedrock formations are located in the Syrtis Major region, which is a low-relief shield volcano. HiRISE Picture of the Day archive [More at links]

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THEMIS: Polar cap layers at Ultima Lingula

THEMIS Image of the Day, February 4, 2019. Today’s VIS image is located along the margin of Ultima Lingula, where the polar cap meets the surrounding plains. The feature in the center of the image is a chasma where the … Continue reading

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Curiosity update: Atop another (smaller) ridge

Sols 2308-10, February 1, 2019, update by MSL scientist Vivian Sun: Curiosity successfully completed her drive yesterday and is currently parked on top of one of the ridges (“Knockfarril Hill”) in the clay-bearing unit. One of the mysteries of the … Continue reading

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