{"id":283243,"date":"2025-09-13T08:57:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T22:57:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blog\/curiosity-blog-sols-4649-4654-ridges-hollows-and-nodules-oh-my\/"},"modified":"2025-09-13T08:57:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T22:57:37","slug":"curiosity-blog-sols-4649-4654-ridges-hollows-and-nodules-oh-my","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=283243","title":{"rendered":"Curiosity Blog, Sols 4649-4654: Ridges, Hollows and Nodules, Oh My"},"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 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Oh My<\/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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A grayscale photo from the Martian surface shows a rough, rocky landscape in medium gray, with a shadow of the Curiosity rover\u2019s boxy masthead showing at the center of the frame, and the shadow of its body covering some of the bottom of the frame. Along an uneven vertical border from the top to the bottom of the image, the texture of the terrain is separated from more ground-up soil and rock of many sizes, while the right side is covered in larger, flatter rocks, with numerous cracks and crevices separating them from each other.\" 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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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\/september\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04650_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_810299729EDR_F1182304NCAM00354M_.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 using its Left Navigation Camera, showing the transition from smoother ridge bedrock (right) to more nodular bedrock (bottom left to top middle) on the edge of a shallow hollow (top left). Curiosity, whose masthead shadow is also visible, captured this image on Sept. 5, 2025 \u2014 Sol 4650, or Martian day 4,650 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission \u2014 at 00:22:34 UTC.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Written by Lucy Thompson, Planetary Scientist and APXS Team Member, University of New Brunswick, Canada<\/p>\n<p>Earth planning date: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Curiosity is in the midst of the boxwork campaign, trying to decipher why we see such pronounced ridges and hollows in this area of Mount Sharp. When this terrain was first identified from orbit it was hypothesized that the ridges may be the result of cementation by circulating fluids, followed by differential erosion of the less resistant bedrock in between (the hollows that we now observe).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We have been exploring the boxwork terrain documenting textures, structures and composition to investigate potential differences between ridges and hollows. One of the textural features we have observed are nodules in varying abundance. The focus of our activities this week was to document the transition from smoother bedrock atop a boxwork ridge to more nodular bedrock associated with the edge of a shallow hollow.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In Tuesday\u2019s three-sol plan we analyzed the smoother bedrock within the ridge, documenting textures with MAHLI, Mastcam, and ChemCam RMI, and chemistry with ChemCam LIBS and APXS. Curiosity then successfully bumped towards the edge of the ridge\/hollow to place the more nodular bedrock in our workspace. Friday\u2019s three-sol plan was basically a repeat of the previous observations, but this time focused on the more nodular bedrock. The planned drive should take us to another boxwork ridge, and closer to the area where we plan to drill into one of the ridges.<\/p>\n<p>As the APXS strategic planner this week, I helped to select the rock targets for analysis by our instrument, ensuring they were safe to touch and that they met the science intent of the boxwork campaign. I also communicated to the rest of the team the most recent results from our APXS compositional analyses and how they fit into our investigation of the boxwork terrain. This will help to inform our fast-approaching decision about where to drill.<\/p>\n<p>Both plans included Mastcam and ChemCam long-distance RMI imaging of more distant features, including other boxwork ridges and hollows, buttes, the yardang unit, and Gale crater rim. Planned environmental activities continue to monitor dust in the atmosphere, dust-devil activity, and clouds. Standard REMS, RAD, and DAN activities round out the week\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module alignwide wp-block-nasa-blocks-listicle\">\n<div class=\"hds-listicle bg-spacesuit-white maxw-full width-full padding-0 color-mode-light nasa-gb-align-wide\">\n<div class=\"hds-listicle-wrapper padding-y-4 padding-x-3\">\n<h2 class=\"hds-listicle-heading\"><\/h2>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-7 listicle-layout-basic\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 padding-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12\">\n<div class=\"hds-listicle-text-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hds-listicle-list-text\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-22\">Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"hds-listicle-list-description\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/msl-curiosity\/science-updates\/\"  class=\"button-primary button-primary-sm hds-listicle-button link-external-false\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"line-height-alt-1 \" ><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tVisit Mission Updates                \t\t\t<\/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>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 padding-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12\">\n<div class=\"hds-listicle-text-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hds-listicle-list-text\">\n<h3 class=\"heading-22\">Want to learn more about Curiosity\u2019s science instruments?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"hds-listicle-list-description\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/msl-curiosity\/science-instruments\/\"  class=\"button-primary button-primary-sm hds-listicle-button link-external-false\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"line-height-alt-1 \" ><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tVisit the Science Instruments page                \t\t\t<\/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>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-5 round-image-section\">\n<div class=\"hds-listicle-rounded-image\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover listicle-media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=2048&#038;h=1152&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"A rover sits on the hilly, orange Martian surface beneath a flat grey sky, surrounded by chunks of rock.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.1); transform-origin: 83% 48%; object-position: 83% 48%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=2048&#038;h=1152&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=300&#038;h=169&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=768&#038;h=432&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=864&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=400&#038;h=225&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=600&#038;h=338&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=900&#038;h=506&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=675&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/08\/buckskinmtsharpmars.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1125&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA\u2019s Mars rover Curiosity at the base of Mount Sharp<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/JPL-Caltech\/MSSS<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/tweet?via=NASA&#038;text=Curiosity%20Blog%2C%20Sols%204649-4654%3A%20Ridges%2C%20Hollows%20and%20Nodules%2C%20Oh%20My&#038;%23038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fscience.nasa.gov%2Fblog%2Fcuriosity-blog-sols-4649-4654-ridges-hollows-and-nodules-oh-my%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on 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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\/perseverance-meets-the-megabreccia\/\" 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=\"1280\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1610_0809876187_676ECM_N0790102NCAM00501_01_295J.png?w=1280&#038;h=960&#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\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1610_0809876187_676ECM_N0790102NCAM00501_01_295J.png?w=1280&#038;h=960&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1280w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1610_0809876187_676ECM_N0790102NCAM00501_01_295J.png?w=300&#038;h=225&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1610_0809876187_676ECM_N0790102NCAM00501_01_295J.png?w=768&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, 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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-4641-4648-thinking-outside-and-inside-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\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/2025\/curiosity-rover-updates\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\/august\/https___mars.nasa.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04643_opgs_edr_ncam_NLB_809681934EDR_F1182028NCAM00354M_.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\">4 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">Curiosity Blog, Sols 4641-4648: Thinking Outside and Inside the \u2018Boxwork\u2019<\/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\t1 week 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\/over-soroya-ridge-onward\/\" 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=\"1288\" height=\"968\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=1288&#038;h=968&#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\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=1288&#038;h=968&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1288w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=300&#038;h=225&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=768&#038;h=577&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=1024&#038;h=770&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=400&#038;h=301&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=600&#038;h=451&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=900&#038;h=676&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/mars2020\/2025\/perseverance-rover-updates\/august-2025\/Mars_Perseverance_NLF_1597_0808718560_880ECM_N0783588NCAM14597_04_195J.png?w=1200&#038;h=902&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1288px) 100vw, 1288px\" \/><\/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\">Over Soroya Ridge &#038; Onward!<\/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\t2 weeks 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 Lucy Thompson, Planetary Scientist and APXS Team Member, University of New Brunswick, Canada Earth planning date: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 Curiosity is in the midst of the boxwork campaign, trying to decipher why we see such pronounced ridges and hollows in this area of Mount Sharp. When this terrain was first identified from [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"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-283243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blogs"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283243","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\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=283243"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":283244,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283243\/revisions\/283244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=283243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=283243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=283243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}