Larry CrumplerSep 22, 2017

Field Report from Mars: Sol 4857

Opportunity is continuing its drive down Perseverance Valley, a possible channel that was cut in the inner wall of the 22 km-diameter Endeavour impact crater in ancient Mars (Noachian) time. This is the second stop of a series of stops as Opportunity drives down the valley. The goal is to collect field data that will help assess the origin of the valley. While the valley looks like a water-cut valley, we cannot be sure whether other processes like wind or drive flow have cut the valley. But that is why we are taking our time and collecting data as we drive.

Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 1
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 1 Image: Larry Crumpler
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 2
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 2 Image: Larry Crumpler
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 3
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 3 Image: Larry Crumpler
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 4
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 4 Image: Larry Crumpler
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 5
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 5 Image: Larry Crumpler
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 6
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 6 Image: Larry Crumpler
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 32
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 32 Image: Larry Crumpler
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 33
Opportunity status as of sol 4857, slide 33 Image: Larry Crumpler

Support our core enterprises

Your support powers our mission to explore worlds, find life, and defend Earth. You make all the difference when you make a gift. Give today!

Donate