This high-resolution image captured by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's panoramic camera shows in superb detail a portion of the puzzling rock outcropping that scientists are eagerly planning to investigate. Presently, Opportunity is on its lander facing northeast; the outcropping lies to the northwest. These layered rocks measure only 10 centimeters (4 inches) tall and are thought to be either volcanic ash deposits or sediments carried by water or wind. The small rock in the center is about the size of a golf ball.
Name | Value | Additional Values |
---|---|---|
Target | Mars | |
System | ||
Target Type | Planet | |
Mission | Mars Exploration Rover (MER) | |
Instrument Host | Opportunity (MER-B) | |
Host Type | Rover | |
Instrument | Panoramic Camera (Pancam) | |
Detector | ||
Extra Keywords | Color, Volcano, Water | |
Acquisition Date | ||
Release Date | 2004-01-28 | |
Date in Caption | ||
Image Credit | NASA/JPL/Cornell | |
Source | photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA05060 | |
Identifier | PIA05060 |