Curiosity Probes 5,000-Sol Martian Ripple and Gray Stone on Mount Sharp
Updated
Updated · Science@NASA · Sep 16
Curiosity Probes 5,000-Sol Martian Ripple and Gray Stone on Mount Sharp
1 articles · Updated · Science@NASA · Sep 16
Summary
Curiosity spent sols 5003-5004 unstowing its arm to examine the wind-formed ripple “Chocolatal,” then made a short drive after completing the contact science plan.
MAHLI and APXS targeted both a wheel scuff and undisturbed ripple material, with a complex “Dog’s Eye” mosaic designed to view possible layers exposed along the scuff’s side.
Labor Day weekend plans extend that work with APXS, MAHLI and ChemCam observations of an eye-catching gray stone and nearby bedrock that appears to contain unusually large nodules.
Mastcam and ChemCam will also revisit the Chocolatal area and sample other local patches as Curiosity continues its ascent of Mount Sharp after passing 5,000 sols, 14 years on Mars and 1 kilometer of elevation gain.