Cabine du Jardin deux: Mars Update

Thursday, 29 August 2013

Mars Update

Composite Image taken by 'Curiosity' at the end of July 2013 enroute to its destination Mount Sharp
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems

From the United Kingdom and in September, Mars is visible at magnitude 1.6 as a 4 arc second disc low in the Eastern sky during the early hours of the morning.

Currently, NASA has two operational robotic explorers active on the surface of Mars; the venerable 'Opportunity' which left earth some ten years ago and 'Curiosity' which this month completed its first year in Gale Crater.

Superimposed image of Opportunity on the rim of Victoria Crater
credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell

'Curiosity' having tested its autonomous drive, drilling and chemical analysis systems, is now making its way across Gale Crater towards Mount Sharp where it hopes to discover and analyze rocks laid down over millenia. 'Curiosity's' first year on the surface of Mars has been an engineering and scientific success of enormous significance.

Three images taken three seconds apart by 'Curiosity' looking up to
witness the annular eclipse of the sun by 'Phobos' the larger of the
two moons captured by Mars
credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems
/Texas A&M Univ.

Mars has two moons 'Phobos and Deimos'. They are quite tiny, unobservable in amateur telescopes, and considered to be asteroids which ventured too close to Mars and were captured by its gravity.

'Opportunity' has completed over 3,400 days on the surface of Mars, well exceeding its operational parameters and scientific goals. It is currently investigating the boundary geology of 'Solander Point', a raised area on the rim of Endeavour Crater. The NASA engineers plan to drive the robot onto a North facing slope where it will endure the Martian Winter with its solar panels orientated to best exploit low angled sunlight.