Posted by jbridges in Mars Science Laboratory Blog on December 1, 2014
This NavCam image shows a dusty view of Mt Sharp and its layers. It is a sign that we are very close to summer solstice again. That occurs at a Solar Longitude (Ls) of 250 degrees, where Ls = 0 is the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere. During southern summer on Mars, the south polar cap is relatively warm and so its CO2 is released into the atmosphere, with the thicker atmosphere able to carry more dust.
Not a good time for imaging the far distance.
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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
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