As NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity creeps farther into "Endurance Crater," the dune field on the crater floor appears even more dramatic
Dunes on the floor of Endurance Crater on Mars appear remarkably Earth-like
in this new image from NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity.
The rover is creeping slowly into the crater. This approximately true-color
panoramic image highlights the reddish-colored dust characteristic of the planet.
Sinuous tendrils of sand less than 3.3 feet (1 meter) high extend from the
main dune field toward the rover. Scientists hope to send the rover down to
one of these tendrils in an effort to learn more about the characteristics of
the dunes.
Dunes are a common feature across the surface of Mars, and knowledge gleaned
from investigating the Endurance dunes close-up may apply to similar dunes elsewhere.
Before the rover heads down to the dunes, mission managers must determine whether
the slippery slope is firm enough to ensure a successful drive back out of the
crater. Otherwise, as officials put it, they might find themselves in a real
sand trap.
-- SPACE.com Staff
Credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
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