Curiosity Rover’s Latest Mission: Examining the Unique Textures and Chemistry of Rocks near Glen Torridon

The rover Curiosity is currently positioned at an impressive tilt of 26.9˚ near the boundary between the clay-bearing “Glen Torridon” unit and the “Greenheugh” pediment. This weekend, the mission plan involves using the rover’s arm and remote sensing instruments to study the unique textures and chemistry of rocks in this area.

On Saturday, the team will use ChemCam to gather chemical data from a bedrock target known as “Garron Point,” which is filled with nodules. Additionally, they will examine a dark float rock believed to have originated from the Greenheugh pediment called “Mull of Galloway.” The rover will also employ DRT and collect APXS, MAHLI, and ChemCam observations of another bedrock sample named “Berwickshire.” APXS and MAHLI instruments will focus on studying “Cairnbulg,” an area featuring nodules, while MAHLI will capture images of a distinct vein known as “Ross and Cromarty.”

On Sunday, the team plans to use ChemCam to gather chemical data from another bedrock target called “Grovemont.” They will also examine a light float rock believed to have originated from Glen Torridon called “Lintelford Head.” The rover will also employ DRT and collect APXS, MAHLI, and ChemCam observations of another bedrock sample named “North Berwickshire.” APXS and MAHLI instruments will focus on studying “Blackburne,” an area featuring nodules, while MAHLI will capture images of a distinct vein known as “Fife Lornean.”

This comprehensive approach to investigating nearby rocks aims to provide valuable insights into the geological composition of this region. By combining data from various instruments, such as DRT, APXS, MAHLI, ChemCam