23rd May 2014 Sol 639

This MAHLI image (with a contrast stretch) shows the path ahead towards Murray Buttes and across the dark dunes to Mt. Sharp. We are now in another phase of driving with opportunistic science along the way.

This image also shows a clear change in the angle of the sedimentary beds between the lower and upper parts of the 5.5. km high Mt. Sharp (or Aeolis Mons as it is formally known).  This sort of unconformity often relates to environmental and climate changes.  Are the upper, younger sedimentary beds still the sort of habitable environment that we have found along the first part of the mission?

Share this page:

Share this page:

jbridges

About jbridges

This blog is a record of my experiences and work during the Mars Science Laboratory mission, from the preparation, landing on August 5th 2012 Pacific Time, and onwards... I will also post updates about our other Mars work on meteorites, ExoMars and new missions. You can also follow the planetary science activities with @LeicsPlanets Professor John Bridges, School of Physics and Astronomy

View more posts by jbridges

Subscribe to jbridges's posts

Leave a Reply

Network-wide options by YD - Freelance Wordpress Developer