Deciphering Mars: A Journey through Dunraven Pass’s Dunes and Discovering the Secrets of Atoka Point and Bright Angel

Our journey through the dunes at Dunraven Pass led us to the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Washburn in the distance. As we approached, our Mastcam-Z camera had already identified it as a site with an array of rocks and bedrock. We were immediately struck by the diverse colors and textures that surrounded us, which ignited our excitement for what lay ahead.

We quickly began planning our observations using our remote sensing instruments, focusing on a bright boulder we named Atoka Point. This intriguing rock formation had dark speckles that caught our attention, and we took multiple Mastcam-Z multispectral images and used the SuperCam laser on Atoka Point to study its composition.

After analyzing Atoka Point, we turned our attention to Bright Angel, a light-toned rock exposure located to the northwest. It was easily recognizable in orbital imagery and became our next target. By studying the outcrops at Bright Angel and analyzing the relationship between different rock layers, known as stratigraphy, we hoped to gain insight into how it connected to Neretva Vallis and the crater rim.

Our exploration and observations continued as we worked towards unraveling the geological mysteries of the Martian landscape. The possibilities were endless, and every discovery brought us one step closer to understanding this fascinating planet’s history and secrets.