This scene shows the northwestern flank of Mount Sharp, on Mars, as seen by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The bright blue shape at the cenre of the image is the Curiosity rover, which is about 3 metres long and almost as wide.
The snap was taken on 5 June 2017. The orbiter takes a picture of Curiosity and surrounds every 3 months or so, to keep an eye out for movement of sand dunes and erosion that might affect the rover’s future path.
When the image was taken, Curiosity was partway between its investigation of active sand dunes lower on Mount Sharp, and Vera Rubin Ridge, a destination uphill where the rover team intends to examine outcrops where hematite has been identified from Mars orbit.
Originally published by Cosmos as Mars rover spied from Mars orbit
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
