NASA’s Opportunity Mars rover continues its wheeled meandering toward Victoria Crater in Merdiani Planum.  

En route to that major geological target of interest, the robot is primed for studying “Beagle Crater” – perhaps one of among the youngest craters visited by the rover. 

In this picture taken by Opportunity’s navigation camera on its 869^th Martian day, or sol, the sweeping vista of sand dunes and layered outcrop can be seen. The rover is less than 0.44 mile (705 meters) from Victoria Crater. In earlier imagery taken by Opportunity, the southeast rim of Victoria Crater was identified, as well as two small craters on the dark “annulus,” or ring, around that large feature.

The rover has chalked up over 5 miles of travel since landing in January 2004. 

-- Leonard David

Credit: NASA/JPL