|
|
Spirit Studies Rock Outcrop
…
PIA02686
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Spirit Studies Rock Outcrop at 'Home Plate' |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit acquired this false-color image at 11:48 local true solar time on Mars on the rover's 746th Martian day, or sol (Feb. 26, 2006), after using the rock abrasion tool to brush the surfaces of rock targets informally named "Stars" (left) and "Crawfords" (right). Small streaks of dust extend for several centimeters behind the small rock chips and pebbles in the dusty, red soils. Because the rover was looking southwest when this image was taken, the wind streaks indicate that the dominant wind direction was from the southeast. The targets Stars and Crawfords are on a rock outcrop located on top of "Home Plate." The outcrop is informally named "James 'Cool Papa' Bell," after a Negro Leagues Hall of Famer who played for both the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Kansas City Stars. To some science team members, the two brushed spots resemble the eyes of a face, with rocks below and between the eyes as a nose and layered rocks at the bottom of the image as a mouth. The image combines frames taken by Spirit's panoramic camera through the camera's 753-nanometer, 535-namometer, and 432-nanometer filters. It is enhanced to emphasize color differences among the rocks, soils and brushed areas. The blue circular area on the left, Stars, was brushed on 761 (Feb. 22, 2006). The one on the right, Crawfords, was brushed on sol 763 (Feb. 25, 2006). |
|
Spirit's First Grinding of a
…
PIA05239
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Spirit's First Grinding of a Rock on Mars |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
The round, shallow depression in this image resulted from history's first grinding of a rock on Mars. The rock abrasion tool on NASA's Spirit rover ground off the surface of a patch 45.5 millimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter on a rock called Adirondack. The hole is 2.65 millimeters (0.1 inch) deep, exposing fresh interior material of the rock for close inspection with the rover's microscopic imager and two spectrometers on the robotic arm. This image was taken by Spirit's panoramic camera, providing a quick visual check of the success of the grinding. The rock abrasion tools on both Mars Exploration Rovers were supplied by Honeybee Robotics, New York, N.Y. |
|
Opportunity Slices into the
…
PIA05445
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Opportunity Slices into the Surface of Mars |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
The semi-circular depression on the right side of this microscopic image resulted from Opportunity's first grinding of a rock on Mars. The rock abrasion tool sliced into the surface about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) deep and ground off a patch 45.5 millimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter on a rock called "McKittrick" during Opportunity's 30th sol on Mars, Feb. 23, 2004. The hole exposed fresh interior material of the rock for close inspection by the rover's microscopic imager and two spectrometers on the robotic arm. Scientists and engineers got a nice bonus in that two spherical features nicknamed "blueberries" were unexpectedly cut in half within this rock. Team members had noticed the blueberries in earlier pictures on other rocks in the outcrop and had wanted to attempt to cut one in half sometime during the future of the mission. As luck would have it, two blueberries were hidden in the depths of "McKittrick." The one blueberry shown in the bottom right of this picture appears to have been scratched by the grinding wheel, which is further explained in PIA05446 [ http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA05446 ]. The two rectangular boxes in the lower left and upper middle parts of this image are "drop outs," where the data packets inadvertently did not make it back to Earth during the initial communications relay via the Deep Space Network antennas. The missing data packets should be resent to Earth within the next few days. Just above each of the black "drop out" rectangles is another rectangular area filled with a cluster of smaller rectangles in different shades of gray, which are image compression artifacts. For more information about the "blueberries," please see JPL's Press Release dated February 9, 2004. [ http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/20040209a.html ] For more microscopic images of the results from Opportunity's first use of the rock abrasion tool, please see the raw images for sol 30. [ http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/opportunity_m030.html ] The rock abrasion tools on both Mars Exploration Rovers were supplied by Honeybee Robotics, New York, N.Y. |
|
Grinding Wheel Profile
PIA05446
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Grinding Wheel Profile |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This graphic dubbed by engineers as the "Grinding Wheel Profile" is the detective's tool used by the Opportunity team to help them understand one of the processes that formed the interior of a rock called "McKittrick." Scientists are looking for clues as to how layers, grains and minerals helped create this rock, and the engineers who built the rock abrasion tool (RAT) wanted to ensure that their instrument's handiwork did not get confused with natural processes. In the original microscopic image underlaying the graphics, engineers and scientists noticed "layers" or "scratches" on the spherical object nicknamed "blueberry" in the lower right part of the image. The designers of the rock abrasion tool noticed that the arc length and width of the scratches were similar to the shape and size of the rock abrasion tool's grinding wheel, which is made out of a pad of diamond teeth. The scrapes on the bottom right blueberry appear to be caused by the fact that the berry got dislodged slightly and its surface was scraped with the grinding pad. In this image, the largest yellow circle is the overall diameter of the hole ground by the rock abrasion tool and the largest yellow rectangular shape is the area of the grinding wheel bit. The smaller yellow semi-circle is the path that the center of the grinding tool follows. The orange arrow arcing around the solid yellow circle (center of grinding tool) indicates the direction that the grinding tool spins around its own center at 3,000 revolutions per minute. The tool simultaneously spins in an orbit around the center of the hole, indicated by the larger orange arrow to the left. The grinding tool is 22 millimeters (0.9 inches) in length and the actual grinding surface, which consists of the diamond pad, is 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches) in length, indicated by the two smaller rectangles. You can see that the smaller bottom rectangle fits exactly the width of the scrape marks. The grooves on the blueberry are also the same as the curvature of the arced pathway in which the grinding tool spins. By overlaying appropriately scaled representations of the rock abrasion tool schematics, the evidence reveals a strong indication that the scrapes on the blueberry were induced by the tool, rather than caused by some natural geologic process. The two rectangular boxes in the lower left and upper middle parts of this image are "drop outs," where the data packets inadvertently did not make it back to Earth during the initial communications relay via the Deep Space Network antennas. The missing data packets should be resent to Earth within the next few days. Just above each of the black "drop out" rectangles is another rectangular area filled with a cluster of smaller rectangles in different shades of gray, which are image compression artifacts. The rock abrasion tools on both Mars Exploration Rovers were supplied by Honeybee Robotics, New York, N.Y. |
|
Rock Dusting Leaves "Mickey
…
PIA05502
Sol (our sun)
Miniature Thermal Emission S
…
| Title |
Rock Dusting Leaves "Mickey Mouse" Mark |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This image taken by the navigation camera on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows the rock dubbed "Humphrey" and the circular areas on the rock that were wiped off by the rover. The rover used a brush on its rock abrasion tool to clean these spots before examining them with its miniature thermal emission spectrometer. Later, the rover drilled into the rock with its rock abrasion tool, exposing fresh rock underneath. |
|
Fleshing out "Flatrock
PIA05520
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Fleshing out "Flatrock |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This microscopic image of "Flatrock," taken on the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's 43rd sol on Mars, is representative of the science team's goal at the rock outcrop under investigation at Meridiani Planum. Having already studied target areas starting at the extreme east of the outcrop, Opportunity has made its way westward and is now surveying the "Slickrock" neighborhood that includes "Flatrock." The team is using Opportunity's arsenal of scientific instruments to understand two fundamental things that characterize the outcrop: the detailed layering of the rocks and their chemical composition. In keeping with the mission's objective to expose martian history through a thorough examination of the rocks, this image illustrates the very fine layered nature of "Flatrock," which preserve a record of sediment accumulation that occurred long ago. Layers are only a few millimeters thick and are accentuated by a distinctive mineral composition that makes them more resistant to erosion. The crystal casts, or vugs, seen so prominently in the beds at "El Capitan" do not occur in this rock. "Flatrock" was chosen as a target for the rock abrasion tool and subsequent detailed chemical analysis to help the science team build a more complete understanding of how the beds exposed in this crater originated. After careful diagnostic analysis of a failure to successfully grind on sol 42, the rock abrasion tool is ready to make its second attempt on "Flatrock". |
|
Humphrey on the Inside
PIA05500
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Humphrey on the Inside |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
Figure 1 (Click on image for larger view) This image taken by the microscopic imager onboard the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows a close-up look at the rock dubbed "Humphrey." The image was taken after the rover drilled into the rock with its rock abrasion tool, exposing fresh rock underneath. Scientists are examining "Humphrey" for clues to its past with the rover's suite of scientific instruments, located on the rover's arm along with its rock abrasion tool. This image was taken on the 60th martian day, or sol, of Spirit's mission. The rover is on its way to a large crater nicknamed "Bonneville". "Natural or Manmade?" The circled areas in Figure 1 above represent features that scientists have identified as being either natural or induced by grinding processes. The yellow circle shows a natural mark, the green and blue circles highlights droppings thought to be left by the rover's Moessbauer spectrometer, and the red circle contains a natural indentation. The image was taken on the 60th martian day, or sol, of the rover's mission. |
|
Humphrey on the Inside
PIA05500
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Humphrey on the Inside |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
Figure 1 (Click on image for larger view) This image taken by the microscopic imager onboard the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows a close-up look at the rock dubbed "Humphrey." The image was taken after the rover drilled into the rock with its rock abrasion tool, exposing fresh rock underneath. Scientists are examining "Humphrey" for clues to its past with the rover's suite of scientific instruments, located on the rover's arm along with its rock abrasion tool. This image was taken on the 60th martian day, or sol, of Spirit's mission. The rover is on its way to a large crater nicknamed "Bonneville". "Natural or Manmade?" The circled areas in Figure 1 above represent features that scientists have identified as being either natural or induced by grinding processes. The yellow circle shows a natural mark, the green and blue circles highlights droppings thought to be left by the rover's Moessbauer spectrometer, and the red circle contains a natural indentation. The image was taken on the 60th martian day, or sol, of the rover's mission. |
|
Evidence of a Water-Soaked P
…
PIA05495
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Navigati
…
| Title |
Evidence of a Water-Soaked Past |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This navigation camera image taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity on the 36th martian day, or sol, of its mission (March 1, 2004) shows the layered rocks of the "El Capitan" area near the rover's landing site at Meridani Planum, Mars. Visible on two of the rocks are the holes drilled by the rover, which provided scientists with a window to this part of the red planet's water-soaked past. Scientists used the rover's microscopic imager and two spectrometers to look at the details of the freshly exposed, clean surfaces created by the rover's rock abrasion tool. Seeing beyond the veil of dust and coatings on the surface of the rock, scientists obtained the best views of the chemical composition of the areas. These data indicated that the rocks are made up of types of sulfate that could have only been created by interaction between water and martian rock. The chemical make-up of the two holes is slightly different, giving scientists an inkling into the geologic history of this area. This history may help to explain the origin of the granular hematite found around the small crater cradling Opportunity and the "El Capitan" rock region. The sulfates and the other chemicals found in the rocks at this location on Mars also occur on Earth, but only rarely. In places like Rio Tinto, Spain, similar minerals are forming today, and microorganisms live and thrive there. Analyzing these two clean surfaces created by the rock abrasion tool proves that Mars had interactions between water and rock over extended amounts of time. Life on Earth is sustained by extended interaction between water and the environment. The fact that scientists have now found evidence of a similar relationship between water and rock on Mars does not necessarily mean that life did develop on Mars, but it does bring the possibility one step closer to reality. Opportunity's wheel tracks can be seen at the bottom left and right sides of this image. The tracks extend to the center of the image, indicating where Opportunity sat when it analyzed the rocks with the instruments on its robotic arm. |
|
A Hole in Humphrey
PIA05499
Sol (our sun)
Navigation Camera, Rock Abra
…
| Title |
A Hole in Humphrey |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This image taken by the navigation camera onboard the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows a hole drilled by the rover in the rock dubbed "Humphrey." Spirit ground into the rock with the rock abrasion tool located on its robotic arm on the 60th martian day, or sol, of its mission. Scientists are investigating the freshly exposed rock with the rover's suite of scientific instruments, also located on the rover's arm. Spirit is on its way to a large crater nicknamed "Bonneville. |
|
Blueberry" Exposed
PIA05507
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Blueberry" Exposed |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This three-dimensional model shows a postage-stamp-sized patch of the rock target in the outcrop near the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's landing site. A sliced sphere-like particle, or "blueberry," can be seen to the far right of the model. The model was created from images taken by the rover's microscopic imager, after the surface of the rock was scraped away with the rock abrasion tool. |
|
The Biggest Microscopic Imag
…
PIA05523
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
The Biggest Microscopic Image Ever |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This is a mosaic of four individual frames taken by the microscopic imager that have been very carefully stitched together to reveal the entire 5-centimeter-diameter (almost 2-inch) hole left on the rock dubbed "Humphrey." The holes were created by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's rock abrasion tool. The mosaic, created on March 7, 2004, is the first of its kind of an abraded surface on Mars, and gave scientists their first ever microscopic imager view of the entire drilled area. While it is easy for the panoramic camera and the navigation cameras to fit an area this size into their field of view, the microscopic imager can only capture a portion of the ground area with each image. Scientists are interested in many of the small features on "Humphrey" uncovered by the rock abrasion tool and made visible by the microscopic imager. The sinuous veins within the rock could be evidence that water was trickling through the material while it was deep underground, whereas the dark "age spots" in the center of the hole may be crystals of the mineral olivine. |
|
Daisy in Full Bloom on "Maza
…
PIA05673
Sol (our sun)
Miniature Thermal Emission S
…
| Title |
Daisy in Full Bloom on "Mazatzal |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This image from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit panoramic camera shows a daisy pattern created by the rover's rock abrasion tool on the surface of "Mazatzal." The pattern was made as the rover brushed dust off enough area on the rock to match the field of view of the rover's miniature thermal emission spectrometer instrument. |
|
'Mazatzal's' Sparkly Self
PIA05679
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
'Mazatzal's' Sparkly Self |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This enhanced-color image taken by the microscopic imager on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit on sol 79 shows the rock dubbed "Mazatzal" after a portion of its surface was brushed clean by the rover's rock abrasion tool. The reddish material on the right side of the image is the original dust coating. The darker, grayer surface on the left side was exposed after brushing. The crack in the rock may have once contained fluids from which minerals precipitated along its walls. The color in this image was created by combining pictures taken with the microscopic imager's orange-tinted dust cover in both its open and closed positions. |
|
'Mazatzal's' Many Coats
PIA05680
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
'Mazatzal's' Many Coats |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This close-up image taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's microscopic imager shows a section of the hole drilled into the rock dubbed "Mazatzal" after the hole was ground for a second time. The first drilling by the rover's rock abrasion tool left an incomplete hole, so a second one was performed. The blue arrow points to leftover portions of the dark rind that coats Mazatzal and the scrape marks left by the rock abrasion tool. The yellow arrow highlights the bright edges surrounding the leftover rind. The crack in the rock may have once contained fluids out of which minerals precipitated along its walls (red arrows). Mazatzal is a highly coated rock, containing at least four "cake layers": a top coat of dust, a pinking coating, a dark rind and its true interior. The observed area is 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across. This image was taken on sol 85. |
|
A Grind Well Done
PIA05661
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
A Grind Well Done |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This microscopic image mosaic was created on sol 85 after NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit completed a second grind with its rock abrasion tool at the target "New York" on the rock named "Mazatzal." The three-hour, 23-minute grind occurred on sol 83. This grind was performed at the same location but at a slightly different angle than the first grind, which occurred on sol 82. This second drilling now reveals a full and somewhat deeper circle of underlying rock that will allow for a more complete analysis of the interior of the rock. "After the First Grind" This mosaic of four images from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's microscopic imager shows a target called "New York" on the surface of "Mazatzal." The image was acquired on sol 82 of the rover's mission after the rover ground into the left half of the target. The right side of the target has been brushed but not drilled. Later, on sol 85, the rover ground the right side to complete the hole. Each image making up this mosaic is 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across. |
|
Eye on "Bounce
PIA05660
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Miniatur
…
| Title |
Eye on "Bounce |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This mosaic, created from four images taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's microscopic imager, outlines the target on "Bounce" rock that the rover's rock abrasion tool will abrade on sol 66. This 6-centimeter-square (2.4-inch-square) area was chosen by the rock abrasion tool team as the most advantageous area for grinding. Preliminary results from the rover's miniature thermal emission spectrometer show that Bounce is rich in hematite. Bounce contains spherules, or "blueberries," like some rocks in the "Eagle Crater" outcrop. However, Bounce's spherules appear smaller and may be formed by an entirely different process. The blueberries seen in the outcrop are typically 3 to 4 millimeters (0.12 to 0.16 inch) each. A good example of a cluster of micro-berries can be seen just left of center in this image. Scientists are currently studying all of the rock's features as well as its chemical content. After next sol's grinding operation, the team will be able to compare the rock's exterior and interior chemical compositions. |
|
A Tough Grind
PIA05658
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
A Tough Grind |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit took the four images that make up this mosaic with its microscopic imager on sol 82. The mosaic reveals the drilled surface of the target called "New York" on the rock dubbed "Mazatzal." The rock abrasion tool ground for 3 hours and 45 minutes to create this 3.8 millimeter-deep (0.15 inch) hole. The exposed area is 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter. Mazatzal was an interesting rock to grind because it has a lighter tone than the previously ground rocks "Adirondack" and "Humphrey," and because it looks different from its surrounding environment. Scientists hypothesized that Mazatzal's surface might be covered with a rind of weathered material. They drilled through this very top layer to reveal the underlying rock. Because Mazatzal's surface was not even, the left half of the rock was penetrated more deeply than the right. As can be seen in this image, the right, darker portion of the rock is still covered by the rind material. Spirit completed a second grind at this location at a different angle to remove the remaining veneer from the right side and create an even deeper hole. Images of this second grind will be sent back to Earth in the next sol or two. "After the Final Grind" The image was acquired on sol 85 after the rover drilled into New York a second time with its rock abrasion tool. Remnants of the dark grey coating that covers Mazatzal's interior can be seen at the right side of the hole. The crack in the rock may have once contained fluids out of which minerals precipitated. Each image making up this mosaic is 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across. |
|
Opportunity at El Capitan
PIA05442
Sol (our sun)
Hazard Identification Camera
…
| Title |
Opportunity at El Capitan |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity casts a shadow over the El Capitan area that the rover is examining with tools on its robotic arm. Opportunity took this image with its front hazard-avoidance camera on Feb. 23, 2004, during the rover's 29th martian day, or sol. Opportunity used its rock abrasion tool to grind a small hole into Opportunity Ledge later on sol 29 to prepare for using the other tools on its arm to analyze the freshly exposed rock during subsequent sols. |
|
'Diamond Jenness': Before th
…
PIA06748
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager
| Title |
'Diamond Jenness': Before the Grind |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This microscopic imager mosaic of the rock called "Diamond Jenness" was snapped on sol 177 before NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity ground into the surface with its rock abrasion tool, or "Rat." Opportunity has bored nearly a dozen holes into the inner walls of "Endurance Crater." On sols 177 and 178 (July 23 and July 24, 2004), the rover worked double-duty on Diamond Jenness. Surface debris and the bumpy shape of the rock resulted in a shallow and irregular hole, only about 2 millimeters (0.08 inch) deep. The final depth was not enough to remove all the bumps and leave a neat hole with a smooth floor. This extremely shallow depression was then examined by the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer. On Sol 178, Opportunity's "robotic rodent" dined on Diamond Jenness once again, grinding almost an additional 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inch). The rover then applied its Moessbauer spectrometer to the deepened hole. This double dose of Diamond Jenness enabled the science team to examine the rock at varying layers. Results from those grindings are currently being analyzed. The image mosaic is about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) across. |
|
Can You Find the Rat Holes?
PIA06716
Sol (our sun)
Navigation Camera
| Title |
Can You Find the Rat Holes? |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
Using its rock abrasion tool, otherwise known as "Rat," NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity dotted the slope of "Endurance Crater" with dimples that give scientists a glimpse into its layered geologic history. This image from the rover's navigation camera, taken on sol 169 (July 15, 2004), highlights the prolific work of the robotic "rodent." How many Rat holes can you identify? You will be able to check your answer against an image to be posted soon with all the holes identified. |
|
Opportunity Leaves a Trail o
…
PIA06719
Sol (our sun)
Navigation Camera
| Title |
Opportunity Leaves a Trail of 'Rat' Holes |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's rock abrasion tool, known informally as the "Rat," has nibbled seven holes into the slope of "Endurance Crater." This image from the rover's navigation camera was released previously (PIA06716) without the Rat holes labeled so that viewers could try to find the holes themselves. Here, the holes have been identified. Starting from the uppermost pictured (closest to the crater rim) to the lowest, the Rat hole targets are: "Tennessee,""Cobblehill,""Virginia,""London,""Grindstone,""Kettlestone," and "Drammensfjorden." These holes were drilled on sols 138 (June 13, 2004), 143 (June 18), 145 (June 20), 148 (June 23), 151 (June 26), 153 (June 28) and 161 (July 7), respectively. Each hole is 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter. |
|
'Diamond Jenness': After the
…
PIA06749
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager
| Title |
'Diamond Jenness': After the Grind |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This microscopic imager mosaic taken by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity shows the rock dubbed "Diamond Jenness." It was taken on sol 177 (July 23, 2004) after the rover first ground into the rock with its rock abrasion tool, or "Rat." The rover later ground into the rock a second time. A sliced spherule, or "blueberry," is visible in the upper left corner of the hole. Opportunity has bored nearly a dozen holes into the inner walls of "Endurance Crater." On sols 177 and 178 (July 23 and July 24, 2004), the rover worked double-duty on Diamond Jenness. Surface debris and the bumpy shape of the rock resulted in a shallow and irregular hole, only about 2 millimeters (0.08 inch) deep. The final depth was not enough to remove all the bumps and leave a neat hole with a smooth floor. This extremely shallow depression was then examined by the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer. On Sol 178, Opportunity's "robotic rodent" dined on Diamond Jenness once again, grinding almost an additional 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inch). The rover then applied its Moessbauer spectrometer to the deepened hole. This double dose of Diamond Jenness enabled the science team to examine the rock at varying layers. Results from those grindings are currently being analyzed. The image mosaic is about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) across. |
|
Bounce Rock Dimple
PIA05671
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Bounce Rock Dimple |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This panoramic camera image shows the hole drilled by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's rock abrasion tool into the rock dubbed "Bounce" on Sol 65 of the rover's journey. The tool drilled about 7 millimeters (0.3 inches) into the rock and generated small piles of "tailings" or rock dust around the central hole, which is about 4.5 centimeters (1.7 inches) across. The image from sol 66 of the mission was acquired using the panoramic camera's 430 nanometer filter. |
|
Focus on "Flatrock
PIA05521
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Focus on "Flatrock |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This panoramic image of the 3.1 millimeter-deep (just over one-tenth of an inch) hole ground by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's rock abrasion tool in the target called "Mojo 2" on "Flatrock" was taken on the 44th martian day, or sol, of the mission. It will help complete the chemical analysis of the lowest layer of the outcrop in the crater where the rover now resides. After a brief brushing on sol 45, the science team plans to place Opportunity's spectrometers on the hole to collect data vital to their understanding of this impressive outcrop. Scientists believe that the spherule or "blueberry" in the upper right area of the circular impression was sliced in half by the rock abrasion tool. "Blueberries" are a known obstruction to the grinding tool that cause it to terminate its sequence. Despite the stall, the rock abrasion tool abraded "Flatrock" for one hour and five minutes, producing a cavity ripe for investigation. |
|
Salty Martian Rock
PIA05469
Sol (our sun)
Alpha Particle X-ray Spectro
…
| Title |
Salty Martian Rock |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
These plots, or spectra, show that a rock dubbed "McKittrick" near the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's landing site at Meridiani Planum, Mars, has higher concentrations of sulfur and bromine than a nearby patch of soil nicknamed "Tarmac." These data were taken by Opportunity's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer, which produces a spectrum, or fingerprint, of chemicals in martian rocks and soil. The instrument contains a radioisotope, curium-244, that bombards a designated area with alpha particles and X-rays, causing a cascade of reflective fluorescent X-rays. The energies of these fluorescent X-rays are unique to each atom in the periodic table, allowing scientists to determine a target's chemical composition. Both "Tarmac" and "McKittrick" are located within the small crater where Opportunity landed. The full spectra are expressed as X-ray intensity (logarithmic scale) versus energy. When comparing two spectra, the relative intensities at a given energy are proportional to the elemental concentrations, however these proportionality factors can be complex. To be precise, scientists extensively calibrate the instrument using well-analyzed geochemical standards. Both the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer and the rock abrasion tool are located on the rover's instrument deployment device, or arm. |
|
A Trail of Salts
PIA05483
Sol (our sun)
Alpha Proton X-ray Spectrome
…
| Title |
A Trail of Salts |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This graph shows the relative abundances of sulfur (in the form of sulfur tri-oxide) and chlorine at three Meridiani Planum sites: soil measured in the small crater where Opportunity landed, the rock dubbed "McKittrick" in the outcrop lining the inner edge of the crater, and the rock nicknamed "Guadalupe," also in the outcrop. The "McKittrick" data shown here were taken both before and after the rover finished grinding the rock with its rock abrasion tool to expose fresh rock underneath. The "Guadalupe" data were taken after the rover grounded the rock. After grinding both rocks, the sulfur abundance rose to high levels, nearly five times higher than that of the soil. This very high sulfur concentration reflects the heavy presence of sulfate salts (approximately 30 percent by weight) in the rocks. Chloride and bromide salts are also indicated. Such high levels of salts strongly suggest the rocks contain evaporite deposits, which form when water evaporates or ice sublimes into the atmosphere. |
|
McKittrick" Rich in Sulfur
PIA05468
Sol (our sun)
Alpha Particle X-ray Spectro
…
| Title |
McKittrick" Rich in Sulfur |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
These plots, or spectra, show that a rock dubbed "McKittrick" near the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's landing site at Meridiani Planum, Mars, possesses the highest concentration of sulfur yet observed on Mars. These data were acquired with the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer, which produces a spectrum, or fingerprint, of chemicals in martian rocks and soil. This instrument contains a radioisotope, curium-244, that bombards a designated area with alpha particles and X-rays, causing a cascade of reflective fluorescent X-rays. The energies of these fluorescent X-rays are unique to each atom in the periodic table, allowing scientists to determine a target's elemental composition. The spectra shown here are taken from "McKittrick" and a soil patch nicknamed "Tarmac," both of which are located within the small crater where Opportunity landed. "McKittrick" measurements were acquired after the rover drilled a hole in the rock with its rock abrasion tool. Only portions of the targets' full spectra are displayed. The data are expressed as X-ray intensity (linear scale) versus energy. The measured area is 28 millimeters (1 inch) in diameter. When comparing two spectra, the relative intensities at a given energy are proportional to the elemental concentrations, however these proportionality factors can be complex. To be precise, scientists extensively calibrate the instrument using well-analyzed geochemical standards. Both the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer and the rock abrasion tool are located on the rover's instrument deployment device, or arm. |
|
What's on the Inside Counts
PIA05675
Sol (our sun)
Alpha Particle X-ray Spectro
…
| Title |
What's on the Inside Counts |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This graph shows the chemical composition of the rock at Gusev Crater dubbed "Mazatzal" after it was brushed and ground by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's rock abrasion tool. The data, taken by the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer, show that Mazatzal's interior possesses approximately the same quantities of magnesium oxide and sulfur tri-oxide as other basalt rocks in the Gusev Crater area ("Adirondack and "Humphrey"). It's exterior coating or rind, on the other hand, appears to be of a different chemical composition than the previously studied rocks. Concentrations of magnesium oxide were observed to increase first with brushing, then grinding. Also represented on the graph is soil found near Mazatzal, which appears to have a different make-up from the rock itself. Scientists are still puzzling out the implications of these data. The larger symbols on the graph represent inferred rock compositions, while the smaller symbols are actual data points. Observations were made at the target dubbed "New York" on Mazatzal. |
|
Outer Appearances Can Be Dec
…
PIA05674
Sol (our sun)
Alpha Particle X-ray Spectro
…
| Title |
Outer Appearances Can Be Deceiving |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This graph shows the chemical composition of the rock at Gusev Crater dubbed "Mazatzal" after it was brushed and ground by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's rock abrasion tool. The data, taken by the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer over the last few sols, show that the amount of chlorine and sulfur tri-oxide in Mazatzal first increased after brushing, then diminished after grinding. The interior of the rock appears to have the same chemical make-up as other volcanic or basalt rocks studied in the Gusev Crater area ("Adirondack" and "Humphrey"). Its outer coating or rind, on the other hand, appears to be of a different constitution. Scientists are still puzzling out the implications of these data. The larger symbols on the graph represent inferred rock compositions, while the smaller symbols are actual data points. Observations were made at the target dubbed "New York" on Mazatzal. |
|
Rover Magnets All Around
PIA05511
Sol (our sun)
Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT)
| Title |
Rover Magnets All Around |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This illustration shows the locations of the various magnets on the Mars Exploration Rover, which are: its front side, or chest, its back, near the color calibration target, and on its rock abrasion tool. Scientists will use these tools to collect dust for detailed studies. The origins of martian dust are a mystery, although it is believed to come from at least one of three sources: volcanic ash, pulverized rocks or mineral precipitates from liqiud water. By studying the dust with the rover's two spectrometers, scientists hope to find an answer. |
|
Mazatzal" Vs. "Humphrey
PIA05677
Sol (our sun)
Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT)
| Title |
Mazatzal" Vs. "Humphrey |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
These graphs show the infrared light signatures, or spectra, of the rock dubbed "Mazatzal" before and after it was brushed clean with the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's rock abrasion tool. The comparison reveals that the surface coating of Mazatzal is of a different mineralogical make-up than its interior. Mazatzal is also compared to the rock dubbed "Humphrey," which appears to differ mineralogically. |
|
First Grinding of a Rock on
…
PIA05223
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
First Grinding of a Rock on Mars |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
The round, shallow depression in this image resulted from history's first grinding of a rock on Mars. The rock abrasion tool on NASA's Spirit rover ground off the surface of a patch 45.5 millimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter on a rock called Adirondack during Spirit's 34th sol on Mars, Feb. 6, 2004. The hole is 2.65 millimeters (0.1 inch) deep, exposing fresh interior material of the rock for close inspection with the rover's microscopic imager and two spectrometers on the robotic arm. This image was taken by Spirit's panoramic camera, providing a quick visual check of the success of the grinding. The rock abrasion tools on both Mars Exploration Rovers were supplied by Honeybee Robotics, New York, N.Y. |
|
Inner Adirondack
PIA05241
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Inner Adirondack |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This close-up image taken by the microscopic imager onboard the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows the rock dubbed Adirondack after a portion of its surface was ground off by the rover's rock abrasion tool. The observed area is 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across. |
|
Adirondack Post-Drill (3-D)
PIA05278
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
Adirondack Post-Drill (3-D) |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This is a 3-D anaglyph showing a microscopic image taken of an area measuring 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across on the rock called Adirondack. The image was taken at Gusev Crater on the 33rd day of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's journey (Feb. 5, 2004), after the rover used its rock abrasion tool to drill into the rock. Debris from the use of the tool is visible to the left of the hole. |
|
A Clean Adirondack (3-D)
PIA05277
Sol (our sun)
Microscopic Imager, Rock Abr
…
| Title |
A Clean Adirondack (3-D) |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This is a 3-D anaglyph showing a microscopic image taken of an area measuring 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across on the rock called Adirondack. The image was taken at Gusev Crater on the 33rd day of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's journey (Feb. 5, 2004), after the rover used its rock abrasion tool brush to clean the surface of the rock. Dust, which was pushed off to the side during cleaning, can still be seen to the left and in low areas of the rock. |
|
Rat on Mars
PIA05194
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera
| Title |
Rat on Mars |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This image taken on Mars by the panoramic camera on the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity shows the rover's rock abrasion tool, also known as "rat" (circular device in center), located on its instrument deployment device, or "arm." The image was acquired on the ninth martian day or sol of the rover's mission. |
|
Spring Cleaning
PIA05637
Sol (our sun)
Hazard Identification Camera
…
| Title |
Spring Cleaning |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This animation show the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity brushing bright materials off a circular patch of the rock dubbed "Mazatzal." The freshly exposed rock was investigated by instruments on the rover's arm on sol 80 (March 25, 2004). On sol 81, Opportunity used its rock abrasion tool, also located on its arm, to grind into the cleaned-off rock. This animation consists of images taken by the rover's hazard-avoidance camera on sol 79. |
|
Windows to Fresh Rock
PIA05638
Sol (our sun)
Hazard Identification Camera
…
| Title |
Windows to Fresh Rock |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This hazard-avoidance camera image was taken by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit on sol 79 after completing a two-location brushing on the rock dubbed "Mazatzal." A coating of fine, dust-like material was successfully removed from targets named "Illinois" (right) and "New York" (left), revealing clean rock underneath. In this image, Spirit's panoramic camera mast assembly, or camera head, can be seen shadowing Mazatzal's surface. The center of the two brushed spots are approximately 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) apart and were aggressively analyzed by the instruments on the robotic arm on sol 80. On sol 81, the rover drilled into the New York target to expose the original rock underneath. |
|
Circular Signs of the Rock A
…
PIA05459
Sol (our sun)
Hazard Identification Camera
…
| Title |
Circular Signs of the Rock Abrasion Tool |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This image was taken by Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's front hazard-avoidance camera, providing a circular sign of the success of the rover's first grinding of a rock. The round, shallow hole seen in this image is on a rock dubbed "McKittrick," located in the "El Capitan" area of the larger outcrop near Opportunity's landing site. Opportunity used its rock abrasion tool to grind off a patch of rock 45.5 millimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter during the 30th martian day, or sol, of its mission (Feb. 23, 2004). The grinding exposed fresh rock for close inspection by the rover's microscopic imager and two spectrometers located on its robotic arm. The Honeybee Robotics team, which designed and operates the rock abrasion tool, determined the depth of the cut at "McKittrick" to be 4.4 millimeters (0.17 inches) deep. On sol 34 (Feb. 27, 2004), the rover is scheduled to grind into its second target on the "El Capitan" area, a rock dubbed "Guadalupe" in the upper middle part of this image. The rock abrasion tools on both Mars Exploration Rovers were supplied by Honeybee Robotics, New York, N.Y. |
|
Spirit Has Flower Power
PIA05686
Sol (our sun)
Hazard Identification Camera
…
| Title |
Spirit Has Flower Power |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit took this image with its hazard-avoidance camera on sol 86 (March 31, 2004), after the rover's rock abrasion tool had brushed for three minutes on each of six locations on the rock named "Mazatzal" to create a flower-shaped mosaic. The goal for this operation was to create a brushed area big enough for the miniature thermal emission spectrometer to capture within one of its pixels, which are 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) in diameter at the distance between the rock and the instrument. Because the rock abrasion tool creates individual brushed areas only about 5 centimeters (2 inches) in diameter, the team designed this six-location series of tool placements in order to brush 92 percent to 95 percent of the spectrometer's pixel size. This operation was only the second time the rock abrasion tool has created a brushing mosaic. The first time was a three-spot brushing on the rock called "Humphrey." The brush was originally designed to be used as an aide during full grinding operations, however it has been very effective in brushing the top layer off of dusty martian rocks to allow scientists a multi-depth look into the rocks on Mars. |
|
Door to 'Mazatzal's' Past
PIA05659
Sol (our sun)
Hazard Identification Camera
…
| Title |
Door to 'Mazatzal's' Past |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit took this image of the rock dubbed "Mazatzal" with its hazard-avoidance camera on sol 82. It was taken after the rover's rock abrasion tool completed a 3 hour and 45 minute grind to produce the hole on Mazatzal's surface. The wheel tracks that can be seen at the base of the rock are the result of rover positioning. |
|
Windows to Meridiani's Water
…
PIA05504
Sol (our sun)
Hazard Identification Camera
…
| Title |
Windows to Meridiani's Water-Soaked Past |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This image taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity shows the two holes that allowed scientists to peer into Meridiani Planum's wet past. The rover drilled the holes into rocks in the region dubbed "El Capitan" with its rock abrasion tool. By analyzing the freshly exposed rock with the rover's suite of scientific instruments, scientists gathered evidence that this part of Mars may have once been drenched in water. The lower hole, located on a target called "McKittrick," was made on the 30th martian day, or sol, of Opportunity's journey. The upper hole, located on a target called "Guadalupe" was made on the 34th sol of the rover's mission. This image was taken on the 35th martian day, or sol, by the rover's hazard-avoidance camera. The rock abrasion tool and scientific instruments are located on the rover's robotic arm. |
|
Rock Bites into "Bounce
PIA05667
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Rock Bites into "Bounce |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This panoramic camera image from the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity features the 6.44 millimeter (0.25 inch) deep hole ground into the rock dubbed "Bounce" by the rover's rock abrasion tool. The tool took 2 hours and 15 minutes to grind the hole on sol 66 of the rover's journey. A combination of limited solar power and the rock's jagged texture led the rock abrasion tool team to set very aggressive grinding parameters to ensure that the end result was a full circle, suitable for a thorough read from the rover's spectrometers. Bounce's markedly different appearance (when compared to the rocks that were previously examined in the Eagle Crater outcrop) made it a natural target for rover research. In order to achieve an ideal position from which to grind into the rock, Opportunity moved in very close with its right wheel next to Bounce. In this image, the panoramic camera on the rover's mast is looking down, catching the tip of the solar panel which partially blocks the full circle ground by the rock abrasion tool. The outer ring consists of the cuttings from the rock, pushed out by the brushes on the grinding instrument. The dark impression at the top of the outer circle was caused by the instrument's contact mechanism which serves to stabilize it while grinding. |
|
Color View of a 'Rat' Hole T
…
PIA06728
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera
| Title |
Color View of a 'Rat' Hole Trail Inside 'Endurance' |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This view from the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's panoramic camera is an approximately true color rendering of the first seven holes that the rover's rock abrasion tool dug on the inner slope of "Endurance Crater." The rover was about 12 meters (about 39 feet) down into the crater when it acquired the images combined into this mosaic. The view is looking back toward the rim of the crater, with the rover's tracks visible. The tailings around the holes drilled by the rock abrasion tool, or "Rat," show evidence for fine-grained red hematite similar to what was observed months earlier in "Eagle Crater" outcrop holes. Starting from the uppermost pictured (closest to the crater rim) to the lowest, the rock abrasion tool hole targets are called "Tennessee,""Cobblehill,""Virginia,""London,""Grindstone,""Kettlestone," and "Drammensfjorden." Opportunity drilled these holes on sols 138 (June 13, 2004), 143 (June 18), 145 (June 20), 148 (June 23), 151 (June 26), 153 (June 28) and 161 (July 7), respectively. Each hole is 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter. This image was generated using the panoramic camera's 750-, 530-, and 430-nanometer filters. It was taken on sol 173 (July 19). |
|
False-Color View of a 'Rat'
…
PIA06727
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera
| Title |
False-Color View of a 'Rat' Hole Trail |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This view from the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's panoramic camera is a false-color composite rendering of the first seven holes that the rover's rock abrasion tool dug on the inner slope of "Endurance Crater." The rover was about 12 meters (about 39 feet) down into the crater when it acquired the images combined into this mosaic. The view is looking back toward the rim of the crater, with the rover's tracks visible. The tailings around the holes drilled by the rock abrasion tool, or "Rat," show evidence for fine-grained red hematite similar to what was observed months earlier in "Eagle Crater" outcrop holes. Last week, viewers were asked to try seeing as many holes as they could from a black-and-white, navigation-camera image (PIA06716). Most viewers will find it far easier to see the seven holes in this exaggerated color image, the same is true for scientists who are studying the holes from millions of miles away. Starting from the uppermost pictured (closest to the crater rim) to the lowest, the rock abrasion tool hole targets are called "Tennessee,""Cobblehill,""Virginia,""London,""Grindstone,""Kettlestone," and "Drammensfjorden." Opportunity drilled these holes on sols 138 (June 13, 2004), 143 (June 18), 145 (June 20), 148 (June 23), 151 (June 26), 153 (June 28) and 161 (July 7), respectively. Each hole is 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter. This image was generated using the panoramic camera's 750-, 530-, and 430-nanometer filters. It was taken on sol 173 (July 19). |
|
Daisy Found on 'Route 66'
PIA05074
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera
| Title |
Daisy Found on 'Route 66' |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
This composite image from the panoramic camera on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit gives an approximately true-color rendering of a daisy-like pattern of brushed circles that Spirit produced on a rock called "Route 66." Spirit used the rock abrasion tool to complete this 6-position "RAT daisy" on sol 99. It took this image on sol 100, April 14, 2004. The purpose for these large brushings is to create a large enough patch of treated surface area for the miniature thermal emission spectrometer to analyze. Scientists had previously conducted a brushing like this one on the rock "Mazatzal." The brushed area of Route 66 looks very different from the brushed area of Mazatzal, leading scientists to think that the rocks although both light in tone actually have different coating types. |
|
Plotting and Scheming
PIA05338
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Plotting and Scheming |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
These two graphics are planning tools used by Mars Exploration Rover engineers to plot and scheme the perfect location to place the rock abrasion tool on the rock collection dubbed "El Capitan" near Opportunity's landing site. "El Capitan" is located within a larger outcrop nicknamed "Opportunity Ledge." The rover visualization team from NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., initiated the graphics by putting two panoramic camera images of the "El Capitan" area into their three-dimensional model. The rock abrasion tool team from Honeybee Robotics then used the visualization tool to help target and orient their instrument on the safest and most scientifically interesting locations. The blue circle represents one of two current targets of interest, chosen because of its size, lack of dust, and most of all its distinct and intriguing geologic features. To see the second target location, see the image titled "Plotting and Scheming." The rock abrasion tool is sensitive to the shape and texture of a rock, and must safely sit within the "footprint" indicated by the blue circles. The rock area must be large enough to fit the contact sensor and grounding mechanism within the area of the outer blue circle, and the rock must be smooth enough to get an even grind within the abrasion area of the inner blue circle. If the rock abrasion tool were not grounded by its support mechanism or if the surface were uneven, it could "run away" from its target. The rock abrasion tool is location on the rover's instrument deployment device, or arm. Over the next few martian days, or sols, the rover team will use these and newer, similar graphics created with more recent, higher-resolution panoramic camera images and super-spectral data from the miniature thermal emission spectrometer. These data will be used to pick the best spots to apply the rock abrasion tool on two very distinct areas of "El Capitan." The upper and lower portions of "El Capitan" have different textures, and both areas should provide distinct and unique clues about the history of Mars. The rock abrasion tool will also enter the target areas from different perspectives, creating unique views simply by the way they grind into the different areas of the rocks. For the current upper target (Fig. 1), the rock abrasion tool would go into the rock as if from the side of a layered cake, while at the bottom target (Fig. 2), the instrument would enter from above as if going down the middle of a cake."El Capitan" was named after a mountain in Texas, but on Mars, it is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) high. Scientists are eager to use the rock abrasion tool to peer deeper into the history of the formation of "El Capitan," and the team will spend multiple sols taking pre- and post-measurements of the rock targets. Opportunity will spend one sol moving in between target locations. |
|
Plotting and Scheming
PIA05338
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Plotting and Scheming |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
These two graphics are planning tools used by Mars Exploration Rover engineers to plot and scheme the perfect location to place the rock abrasion tool on the rock collection dubbed "El Capitan" near Opportunity's landing site. "El Capitan" is located within a larger outcrop nicknamed "Opportunity Ledge." The rover visualization team from NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., initiated the graphics by putting two panoramic camera images of the "El Capitan" area into their three-dimensional model. The rock abrasion tool team from Honeybee Robotics then used the visualization tool to help target and orient their instrument on the safest and most scientifically interesting locations. The blue circle represents one of two current targets of interest, chosen because of its size, lack of dust, and most of all its distinct and intriguing geologic features. To see the second target location, see the image titled "Plotting and Scheming." The rock abrasion tool is sensitive to the shape and texture of a rock, and must safely sit within the "footprint" indicated by the blue circles. The rock area must be large enough to fit the contact sensor and grounding mechanism within the area of the outer blue circle, and the rock must be smooth enough to get an even grind within the abrasion area of the inner blue circle. If the rock abrasion tool were not grounded by its support mechanism or if the surface were uneven, it could "run away" from its target. The rock abrasion tool is location on the rover's instrument deployment device, or arm. Over the next few martian days, or sols, the rover team will use these and newer, similar graphics created with more recent, higher-resolution panoramic camera images and super-spectral data from the miniature thermal emission spectrometer. These data will be used to pick the best spots to apply the rock abrasion tool on two very distinct areas of "El Capitan." The upper and lower portions of "El Capitan" have different textures, and both areas should provide distinct and unique clues about the history of Mars. The rock abrasion tool will also enter the target areas from different perspectives, creating unique views simply by the way they grind into the different areas of the rocks. For the current upper target (Fig. 1), the rock abrasion tool would go into the rock as if from the side of a layered cake, while at the bottom target (Fig. 2), the instrument would enter from above as if going down the middle of a cake."El Capitan" was named after a mountain in Texas, but on Mars, it is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) high. Scientists are eager to use the rock abrasion tool to peer deeper into the history of the formation of "El Capitan," and the team will spend multiple sols taking pre- and post-measurements of the rock targets. Opportunity will spend one sol moving in between target locations. |
|
Plotting and Scheming
PIA05338
Sol (our sun)
Panoramic Camera, Rock Abras
…
| Title |
Plotting and Scheming |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
These two graphics are planning tools used by Mars Exploration Rover engineers to plot and scheme the perfect location to place the rock abrasion tool on the rock collection dubbed "El Capitan" near Opportunity's landing site. "El Capitan" is located within a larger outcrop nicknamed "Opportunity Ledge." The rover visualization team from NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., initiated the graphics by putting two panoramic camera images of the "El Capitan" area into their three-dimensional model. The rock abrasion tool team from Honeybee Robotics then used the visualization tool to help target and orient their instrument on the safest and most scientifically interesting locations. The blue circle represents one of two current targets of interest, chosen because of its size, lack of dust, and most of all its distinct and intriguing geologic features. To see the second target location, see the image titled "Plotting and Scheming." The rock abrasion tool is sensitive to the shape and texture of a rock, and must safely sit within the "footprint" indicated by the blue circles. The rock area must be large enough to fit the contact sensor and grounding mechanism within the area of the outer blue circle, and the rock must be smooth enough to get an even grind within the abrasion area of the inner blue circle. If the rock abrasion tool were not grounded by its support mechanism or if the surface were uneven, it could "run away" from its target. The rock abrasion tool is location on the rover's instrument deployment device, or arm. Over the next few martian days, or sols, the rover team will use these and newer, similar graphics created with more recent, higher-resolution panoramic camera images and super-spectral data from the miniature thermal emission spectrometer. These data will be used to pick the best spots to apply the rock abrasion tool on two very distinct areas of "El Capitan." The upper and lower portions of "El Capitan" have different textures, and both areas should provide distinct and unique clues about the history of Mars. The rock abrasion tool will also enter the target areas from different perspectives, creating unique views simply by the way they grind into the different areas of the rocks. For the current upper target (Fig. 1), the rock abrasion tool would go into the rock as if from the side of a layered cake, while at the bottom target (Fig. 2), the instrument would enter from above as if going down the middle of a cake."El Capitan" was named after a mountain in Texas, but on Mars, it is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) high. Scientists are eager to use the rock abrasion tool to peer deeper into the history of the formation of "El Capitan," and the team will spend multiple sols taking pre- and post-measurements of the rock targets. Opportunity will spend one sol moving in between target locations. |
|
|
