{"id":262011,"date":"2025-08-05T05:47:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T19:47:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blog\/curiosity-blog-sols-4616-4617-standing-tall-on-the-ridge\/"},"modified":"2025-08-05T05:47:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T19:47:14","slug":"curiosity-blog-sols-4616-4617-standing-tall-on-the-ridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=262011","title":{"rendered":"Curiosity Blog, Sols 4616-4617: Standing Tall on the Ridge"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full 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Ridge<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"An extreme wide-angle, grayscale photo from the Mars surface shows uneven terrain ahead of the rover, covered in numerous small to medium-sized rocks, all light gray and illuminated by sunlight. Impressions in the middle ground ahead form swooping backward Cs, and in the far distance a mountain rises from the ground, but looks very broad and squat, because of the distortion from the wide-angle lens. Parts of the rover are visible around the sides and bottom of the image, and its shadow fills much of the foreground.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=150&#038;h=150&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=300&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=768&#038;h=768&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=50&#038;h=50&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=100&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=200&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=400&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=600&#038;h=600&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04614_opgs_edr_fcam_FLB_807110248EDR_F1180000FHAZ00302M_.jpg?w=900&#038;h=900&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA\u2019s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image, showing the impressive landscape it is currently navigating. The rover is standing tall on the ridge, its shadow casting forward, and Mount Sharp towers over the scene in the distance. Curiosity captured this image with its Front Hazard Avoidance Camera (Front Hazcam) on July 30, 2025 \u2014 Sol 4614, or Martian day 4,614 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission \u2014 at 02:24:02 UTC.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Written by Susanne P. Schwenzer, Professor of Planetary Mineralogy at The Open University, UK<\/p>\n<p>Earth planning date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025<\/p>\n<p>The day started with a little celebration of NISAR, a new Earth observation satellite that made it successfully into orbit a few hours before our planning started. We joined in by saying \u201cGO NISAR, NASA, JPL, and ISRO\u201d (the Indian Space Research Organisation, NASA\u2019s mission partner, which launched NISAR).\u00a0Learn more at the <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/nisar\/\" rel=\"noopener\">NISAR mission hub<\/a>. Although our team studies Mars, Earth is a planet, too, and we are very happy for our colleagues\u2019 successful launch!<\/p>\n<p>On Mars, it\u2019s still winter and the topic of every planning is how to maximize the science we can do given the increased power needs for heating our rover at this time of the year. Curiosity is parked on top of the main ridge, nicknamed the \u201cautobahn.\u201d It turned out to be not as smooth as its terrestrial namesake, as you can see in the image above. To arrive at this parking position, our rover drivers decided to take a small detour down into a flatter area and back up onto the ridge for safe off-road driving. The rover\u2019s parking position allows for beautiful views around us, laying out the land of hollows and ridges perfectly to plan our next steps and to admire Mount Sharp in the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Standing tall on the ridge, we got several investigations of the ridge-forming materials into today\u2019s plan. APXS, MAHLI, and ChemCam are all teaming up to investigate the target \u201cEl Salto.\u201d This is a target that could get us a glimpse into what formed the central line that is running along the big ridge. If you look closely at the images there are subtle differences in color and texture, and we are all curious whether that translates to chemical differences, too.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, it\u2019s not all about chemistry. Mastcam is busy documenting a small mound, and its context with veins and the hollow surrounding it, at the target \u201cLlullaillaco.\u201d The target \u201cCementerio De Tortugas\u201d will capture sand ripples within a trough area, there is an extension of the workspace imaging in the plan for more context of today\u2019s observations, and finally the ridge intersection is of interest at the target \u201cVilla Abecia.\u201d Of course, Mastcam didn\u2019t forget the documentation of the ChemCam target \u201cEl Salto\u201d and the AEGIS target from the last plan. Speaking of ChemCam: It\u2019s using its imaging capabilities to document the side of the ridge to give finer details of the sedimentary structures of the target \u201cLlullaillaco.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Atmospheric observations are also of highest interest at this time of the day. We continue our atmospheric monitoring by looking for dust devils as well as up toward the clouds in a joint observation with the CASSIS instrument, which is aboard the European Space Agency\u2019s Trace Gas Orbiter. In addition, Curiosity continues to monitor wind and temperature throughout the plan, and the DAN (dynamic albedo of neutrons) instrument observes the rocks underneath the rover for their water content.<\/p>\n<p>After completing the observations at the current parking location, Curiosity will be driving off the ridge again, but this time to stay within the hollow, so we can make observations of the material that forms those hollows. Let\u2019s see if we can find any chemical differences between those materials that might explain why one is standing up tall and the other one is weathering out. If you want to get a better impression of what I am talking about when I say ridges and troughs, have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/resource\/sol-4612-right-navigation-camera-cylindrical-projection-2\/\" rel=\"noopener\">this recent navigation camera mosaic<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center nasa-button-link padding-y-1 padding-x-0 hds-module aligncenter wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-link\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/msl-curiosity\/science-instruments\/\"  class=\"button-primary button-primary-md link-external-false\" aria-label=\"Learn more about Curiosity\u2019s science instruments\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"line-height-alt-1\">Learn more about Curiosity\u2019s science instruments<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"button-primary-circle\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center nasa-button-link padding-y-1 padding-x-0 hds-module aligncenter wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-link\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/msl-curiosity\/science-updates\/\"  class=\"button-primary button-primary-md link-external-false\" aria-label=\"For more Curiosity blog posts, visit MSL Mission Updates\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"line-height-alt-1\">For more Curiosity blog posts, visit MSL Mission Updates<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"button-primary-circle\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 article_a hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-credits-and-details\">\n<section class=\"padding-x-0 padding-top-5 padding-bottom-2 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-2 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Share<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-bottom-2\">\n<ul class=\"social-icons social-icons-round\">\n<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-x\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a 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class=\"heading-14\">Details<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n<div class=\"subheading\">Last Updated<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8\">Aug 04, 2025<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black \">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Related Terms<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"article-tags\">\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-blogs\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Blogs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-articles\">\n<section class=\"hds-related-articles padding-x-0 padding-y-3 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n<div class=\"w-100 grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0 text-align-left\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n<h2 style=\"max-width: 100%;\" class=\"width-full w-full maxw-full\">Explore More<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blog\/curiosity-blog-sols-4614-4615-driving-along-the-boxwork\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" 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https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04612_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_806930451EDR_F1172850NCAM00270M_.jpg?w=400&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04612_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_806930451EDR_F1172850NCAM00270M_.jpg?w=600&#038;h=600&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04612_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_806930451EDR_F1172850NCAM00270M_.jpg?w=900&#038;h=900&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">2 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Curiosity Blog, Sols 4614-4615: Driving Along the Boxwork<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 days ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blog\/spheres-in-the-sand\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1648\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=1648&#038;h=1200&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=1648&#038;h=1200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1648w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=300&#038;h=218&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=768&#038;h=559&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=746&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1118&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=400&#038;h=291&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=600&#038;h=437&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=900&#038;h=655&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/july-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_SIF_1555_0804985824_601EBY_N0770000SRLC00336_0000LMJ.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=874&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1648px) 100vw, 1648px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">3 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Spheres in the Sand<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 days ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blog\/curiosity-blog-sols-4611-4613-scenic-overlook\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=150&#038;h=150&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=300&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=768&#038;h=768&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=50&#038;h=50&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=100&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=200&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=400&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=600&#038;h=600&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/july\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04609_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_806660593EDR_F1172730NCAM00266M_.jpg?w=900&#038;h=900&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">2 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Curiosity Blog, Sols 4611-4613: Scenic Overlook<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7 days ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-topic-cards nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-y-6 padding-x-3 color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-topic-cards\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block-lg padding-x-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-2\">Keep Exploring<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"heading-36 line-height-sm\">Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 hds-topic-cards-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mars\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Mars<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It\u2019s the only planet we know of inhabited\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=400,225 400w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=600,338 600w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=900,506 900w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/272_MarsInSight_poster-jpg.webp?resize=1200,675 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mars\/resources\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>All Mars Resources<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">Explore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/mars\/resources\/detail_files\/2\/5\/25757_1-PIA24543-Curiositys-Selfie-at-Mont-Mercou-main-web.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=792&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/mars-exploration\/rover-basics\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Rover Basics<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">Each robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1197\" height=\"1499\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?w=1197\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png 1197w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?resize=240,300 240w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?resize=768,962 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?resize=818,1024 818w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?resize=319,400 319w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?resize=479,600 479w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?resize=719,900 719w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mars-perseverance-si1-0045-0670932474-015ecm-n0031416srlc07021-000085j-e1720460405906.png?resize=958,1200 958w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1197px) 100vw, 1197px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/mars-exploration\/science-goals\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Mars Exploration: Science Goals<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">The key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA\u2019s four\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=1600&#038;h=900&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=1600&#038;h=900&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=300&#038;h=169&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=768&#038;h=432&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=1024&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=1536&#038;h=864&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=400&#038;h=225&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=600&#038;h=338&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=900&#038;h=506&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/2023\/07\/Color-enhanced_view_of_Jezero_crater_on_Mars.jpeg?w=1200&#038;h=675&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written by Susanne P. Schwenzer, Professor of Planetary Mineralogy at The Open University, UK Earth planning date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 The day started with a little celebration of NISAR, a new Earth observation satellite that made it successfully into orbit a few hours before our planning started. We joined in by saying \u201cGO NISAR, [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15599],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-262011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=262011"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":262528,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262011\/revisions\/262528"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=262011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=262011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=262011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}