Crossing Mars
Explanation:
Where is NASA's rover Curiosity going on Mars?
Its geographical goals are on the slopes of
Mount Sharp, whose
peak
is seen in the background on the right.
A key
scientific goal, however, remains to better assess when and where conditions
on Mars were once suitable for life, in particular microbial life.
To further this goal,
Curiosity was directed to cross the
rugged terrain of
Nautkluft Plateau,
visible in the
featured image on
the foreground left.
Curiosity is crossing toward smoother uphill sites with rocks containing
hematite and
sulfates, sites that could give the
rolling rover new clues
on how long this part of Mars was wet -- and hence more favorable for life -- before
drying out.
Of recent concern, however, is
Curiosity's aluminum wheels, which are showing increasing
signs of wear.
Although already
fulfilling the goals
of its two year study, Curiosity's mission has been
extended as it continues to uncover valuable information about the
extraordinary past of Mars, the
next planet out from the Sun from Earth.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
