A patch of sand and a 7-meter sedimentary outcrop are visible in this image taken by the Front Hazcam on board the NASA Curiosity rover on Mars 3076. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech. Download image ›
Curiosity continues to make its way around “Mont Mercou” to capture as many angles as possible of the 7-meter-high sedimentary outcrop. Today, the rover stopped at a patch of sand (shown in the image above), so the scientific team split our concentration between the sand at our feet and the outcrop that rises above us.
The plan includes many images of Mount Mercou. There are several Mastcam mosaics covering the outcrop, including some stereo observations. There is also a ChemCam RMI, called “Montpeyroux”, with interesting sedimentary structures, which are visible from this part of the outcrop.
The plan also focuses on the sand in the rover’s workspace. There are two scientific contact lenses: “Scoor” on a corrugated ridge and “Garve” on a trough. Mastcam and MAHLI will each take pictures of these targets, while APXS will focus on Garve.
Eventually, Curiosity will drive further around Mont Mercou. At first, the rover will drive a little and use the MAHLI to imagine the wheels turning. Curiosity will then complete a longer journey to continue to the top of Mont Mercou.