Cape York - Shoemaker Ridge and the NE traverse, Starting sol 2735 Options

[Stu]

Oppy's next destination - the Shoemaker Ridge...



(3D version here http://roadtoendeavour.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/sr-3d.jpg )

Some more height...surrounded by lots of gorgeous rocks...view right across Endeavour... our first view too, probably, of the Promised Land in the centre of Cape York where the phylosillicates are waiting to be found...

Go get 'em, Oppy!

Edit: looks like Oppy's on the move...

http://qt.exploratorium.edu/mars/opportuni...84P1211L0M1.JPG

[Bill Harris]

Curious, yes. Note that the cobbles all have a light area on one end. First thought was "ah, a specular reflection", but in an L0 Navcam, light=reddish so it's an "ocher" spot. Given the orientation, they seem to be in the "downwind" direction so it's in a wind-dead zone and light particles tend to collect and adhere or beind downwind, there is less aeolian abrasion and erosion. And in fredk's Navcam view, look at the ripple-forming sand plus the rounded cobbles, with a mix of particles like that, this is a area of active weathering and erosion. Unique area, and we've just now gotten here.

I'm hoping for a sidetrip to the spot with those rectangular lineations (which I'm informally calling "Secular City" til we get an official name) for a quick peek and close-in color views.

That fascinating topography is in the direction of the dark-filled crater, "summit crater", informally.

--Bill

[Ron Hobbs]

I'm hoping for a sidetrip to the spot with those rectangular lineations (which I'm informally calling "Secular City" til we get an official name) for a quick peek and close-in color views.

Those 'rectangular lineations' look a lot like the cemented fractures in Gale Crater. Description of cemented fractures.



They don't say anything about clay in the image caption, but it is evidence of water. My guess the MER team will want to take a look at this feature; maybe Oppy will scoop MSL.

Anyway, I hope so too. Go Oppy, go!