Spirit cleaner? Options

[alan]

I've been keeping an eye on the sundial images looking for signs of a cleaning event. I've noticed some changes in the latest to be downloaded although they may be due to changes in the lighting.


A : clean patch at top of circle streak at bottom
B : increased contrast from dust left behind next to mirror
C : clean patch next to wire

Also note the missing clumps of dust on the deck


A broader view show a contrast between sol 1221 and 1227
http://207.7.139.5/mars/spirit/navcam/2007...I4P0165L0M1.JPG
http://207.7.139.5/mars/spirit/navcam/2007...00P1914L0M1.JPG

Has anyone heard if there has been a change in the power levels?

[dvandorn]

Well, isn't it almost a truism that semi-global and global dust storms on Mars tend to occur as the planet approaches and works through its equinoces? Those are the times when the most extensive atmospheric transfer between the poles occurs (as CO2 sublimates off the cap approaching summer and condenses onto the cap approaching winter), and so generates the greatest global winds.

We've survived regional storms since the MERs landed, we can only hope that this storm (and any others that may pop up over the next couple of months) will remain regional and not go semi-global or global. We could still see both rovers die within days of each other if a global dust storm of the extent, say, of the 1971 storm were to develop.

Do note, though, that the rovers might well become cleaned by the more energetic winds to an extent that they *could* survive even a major dust storm. The HiRISE color image of the Viking 1 lander, for example, demonstrates that it is still primarily non-dust-covered, and we know it has endured several global dust storms. Depending on the rate of deposition vs. the rate of cleaning during such a storm, we might be able to get the rovers to advantageous slopes and weather a storm, as we have weathered Martian winters.

-the other Doug

[BrianL]

Depending on the rate of deposition vs. the rate of cleaning during such a storm

Well, just in case this turns into a poll, I'm going to join the deposition camp now. Clean-sweeping burned me last time and I still haven't forgiven it. Don't even get me started on my feelings about the far side of the crater.

Brian