Field Report From Mars: Sol 4410 - June 20, 2016

Opportunity is finishing up its activities here in Marathon Valley, on the western rim of the 22 km-diameter Endeavour impact crater. Over the past few weeks it has been “walking” along a ridge inspecting the outcrops. From orbit this location was spied as containing significant clay minerals, so the rocks here have been studied carefully.

Part of the western rim of Endeavour showing the traverse thus far.

A closer look at the valley. Marathon Valley is an unusually deep “cut” in the rim of Endeavour. This may be part of the reason why we are seeing something a little different here. But maybe not. Science can be peculiar that way. (Which is why scientists tend to be skeptical of everything and test everything. When a bunch of scientists start saying the same thing, then you have some pretty significant results to talk about.) Those are 1 meter contours.

A shadow selfie using the front Hazcams, from the last drive yesterday.

The awesome view from the Navcams across the floor of Endeavour crater to the far rim, 22 km away.