A stain of sand and a 7-meter sedimentary precipitate are visible in this photo taken by the Front Hazard Avoidance Camera (Front Hazcam) aboard NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity on Sol 3076. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech. Download image ›
Curiosity is still making a turn in the “Mont Mercou” to capture as many corners of the 7 meter high sedimentary corners as possible. Today, the rover stopped at a piece of sand (shown in the picture above), and the science team split our focus between the sand at our feet and the outside towering above us.
The plan contains many images of the Mont Mercou. There are several Mastcam mosaics covering the outside world, including some stereo observations. There is also a ChemCam RMI, called “Montpeyroux”, with interesting sedimentary structures visible from this side of the outside world.
The plan also focuses on the sand that is in the worker of the Rover. There are two contact science targets: ‘Score’ on a wrinkle crest and ‘Garve’ on a trough. Mastcam and MAHLI will each take down these targets, while APXS will focus on Garve.
Eventually, Curiosity will drive further around Mont Mercou. Initially, the car will only drive a little and use MAHLI to represent the wheels while turning. Next, Curiosity will complete a longer ride to continue circling to the top of Mont Mercou.