On the weekend, the Curiosity rover made a significant advance of 51 meters towards the Bagnold Dunes. As the Geology Science Theme Lead, I am responsible for planning Sol 1173, which will involve several critical activities to closely monitor and document the dunes and bedrock along the rover’s path.
The day will begin with Mastcam observations to track two of the dunes and a small sandsheet in front of the rover. After this, a drive will be conducted to prepare for targeting tomorrow. Post-drive imaging will then be taken to help with this process. In the afternoon, Navcam observations will be conducted to monitor the atmosphere and search for dust devils.
To capture detailed images of these features during the Bagnold Dune campaign, additional Mastcam mosaics will be taken later in the afternoon when lighting conditions are optimal for bringing out subtle textures in the dunes and rocks. This information is crucial for determining when to take high-quality images that accurately reflect these unique geological formations.
In summary, Sol 1173 is an important milestone in our ongoing mission to explore Mars’ surface and gather valuable data on its geological features. By carefully monitoring and documenting these areas through various scientific methods, we can gain a deeper understanding of Mars’ environment and how it may have evolved over time.
