A stretch of sand and a 7 meter sedimentary outcrop are visible in this photo taken by the Front Hazard Avoidance Camera (Front Hazcam) aboard NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity at Sol 3076. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech. Download image ›
Curiosity continues to make its way around “Mont Mercou” to capture as many corners of the 7 meter high sedimentary outcrop as possible. Today the rover stopped at a patch of sand (see image above), so the science team divided our focus between the sand at our feet and the rock towering above us.
The plan contains many images of Mont 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 visible from this side of the outcrop.
The plan also focuses on the sand that is in the rover’s workspace. There are two contact science targets: “Score” on a ripple comb and “Garve” on a trough. Mastcam and MAHLI will each take photos of these targets, while APXS will focus on Garve.
Finally, Curiosity continues around Mont Mercou. At first, the rover will drive a little bit and use MAHLI to visualize the wheels as they turn. Next, Curiosity will take a longer drive to circle further to the top of Mont Mercou.