An image of sand and a 7-meter sedimentary outcrop are visible in this image taken by the Risk Avoidance Front Camera (Front Hazcam) aboard the NASA Curiosity rover in the Sun 3076. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech. Download image ›
Curiosity continues to make its way around “Mont Mercou” to capture as many angles as possible from the 7-meter-high sedimentary outcrop. Today the rover has stopped at a piece of sand (shown in the image above), so the scientific team has split our focus between the sand on 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”, of interesting sedimentary structures that are visible from this side 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 take pictures of these targets, while APXS will focus on Garve.
Finally, Curiosity will drive more around Mount Mercou. At first, the rover will drive a bit and use MAHLI to imagine the wheels as they turn. Curiosity will then complete a longer journey to continue circling the summit of Mount Mercou.