Photo credit: science.nasa.gov

Curiosity Rover’s Winter Journey on Mars

Earth planning date: Friday, March 21, 2025

The onset of spring in the Northern Hemisphere brings a contrasting perspective to our activities on Mars, where the Curiosity rover continues its trek through the harsh conditions of Gale Crater during the Martian winter. As we approach Mars’ aphelion—the point in its orbit when it is furthest from the Sun—it’s important to note that the distance between Mars and the Sun fluctuates more significantly than Earth’s. This varying distance exerts a notable impact on Martian weather patterns.

The layered sulfate bedrock in Gale Crater poses challenges for rover navigation; however, progress has been impressive. In our most recent sol 4486 plan, Curiosity successfully traveled nearly 35 meters (approximately 115 feet) southward and upward. Our new worksite is characterized by the light-toned stripes visible in orbital imagery, showcasing the light-toned laminated blocks that are typical of this geologic unit.

In a fortunate turn of events, for the second consecutive planning cycle, the rover was able to deploy its arm and utilize its scientific instruments. This was possible as Curiosity found a stable position, a critical factor given the rugged terrain. We scheduled two compositional measurements using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) to analyze a bedrock target dubbed “Solstice Canyon.” This will allow us to assess the bedrock composition after dust was removed, as well as study the effects of widespread dust accumulation on the instrument at other potential locations.

Additionally, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) tool was employed for a targeted measurement at Solstice Canyon. Another feature of interest, labeled “Black Oak,” is a distinctive grayish patch that appears to be a vein or coating among the surrounding light-toned workspace blocks. The planned observations aim to reveal detailed information about both its composition and structural characteristics.

We also designed an extensive Remote Micro-Imager (RMI) mosaic to explore ridges located on a currently unnamed butte to the west. These ridges could indicate similar diagenetic processes that gave rise to the notable boxwork structures, which are the next major focus of Curiosity’s scientific endeavors. As rover mobility is limited, employing long-distance views will help us understand the broader extent of the boxwork-forming activity across Aeolis Mons.

Mastcam imaging sessions included follow-ups on the sedimentary feature known as “Pino Alto,” as well as examinations of textures in nearby bedrock identified as “Piedra Blanca.” We also gathered documentation imagery for the two LIBS targets to enhance our analysis.

Lastly, our investigation of the Martian atmosphere continues. The APXS and ChemCam passive imager have been utilized to monitor the variations in abundances of argon and oxygen across different seasons on Mars, contributing to our understanding of the planet’s climatic dynamics.

Source
science.nasa.gov