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Unmanned Spaceflight.com _ MSL _ Crossing the Dunes at Murray Buttes

Posted by: PaulH51 May 27 2016, 11:01 AM

Midnight Planets has reported Curiosity's movement of ~46.3m WSW (-116º) on Sol 1353.
Only 7 L-NavCams were available for this rough & ready stitch in MS ICE, the raws are a little overexposed, but they may assist in pinpointing the location.
I cropped the stitch a little to get it under the upload limit.
I'll post the full resolution 360 on an image host as the images become available, unless someone beats me to it smile.gif


Posted by: PaulH51 May 28 2016, 03:49 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson, dated 27 May 2016 - http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1355-1357-coordinating-with-mro

QUOTE
Our drive went well and Curiosity is now sitting on a nice patch of the Murray formation, putting us in a good position for a very busy holiday weekend! On Sol 1355, ChemCam has observations of the targets “Auchas”, “Kaisosi”, “Inamagando”, and “Horingbaai”. Mastcam will document those targets and then do some multispectral observations of the targets “Kunjas” and “Navachab”, plus a mosaic of the contact between the Murray and Stimson units. Navcam will round out the science block with some atmospheric observations.
Sol 1356 was an unusual one, with a bunch of small science blocks spread throughout the day. These were to enable a series of measurements leading up to a coordinated set of observations in the afternoon between the instruments on the rover on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. (Yes, this means a new HiRISE image of Curiosity is coming soon!)
First thing in the morning on Sol 1356, Mastcam and Navcam have a photometry observation. This is repeated a few hours later along with a multispectral Mastcam observation of the target “Inamagando”. A few hours later, the photometry observation is repeated again (the idea is to see how the brightness changes as the sun angle changes) and ChemCam has a passive sky observation. Finally, there is another photometry observation, a Mastcam “sky survey” observation, and Mastcam “sky flats”. These are followed by a long-distance ChemCam RMI image that I managed to squeeze into the plan. I am hoping that the similar time of day (and therefore similar lighting) will make it easier to compare the HiRISE and RMI images. After the RMI, Sol 1356 will wrap up with one final photometry observation.
On Sol 1357 we will drive again, followed by standard post-drive imaging. This plan will take us through the long weekend, so our next planning day will be on Tuesday.


Posted by: PaulH51 May 29 2016, 03:38 AM

L-MastCam Sol 1353 - 6 frame mosaic of Curiosity's Workspace, assembled in MS ICE and enhanced.
Heavily fractured bedrock with mineral fills (back on Murray)


Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27316960775/sizes/l pixels.

Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27316960775/sizes/o pixels.

Posted by: PaulH51 May 29 2016, 04:07 AM

R-NavCam Sol 1353 Pano, complete with some data-drop-out and stitching errors, but may help users to understand the terrain until a better version comes along.
Preview (500 pxl)



Imgur http://i.imgur.com/fJkapN8.jpg pixels.

Posted by: Phil Stooke May 30 2016, 05:53 AM

Here is Paul's full panorama from sol 1353 in circular form. It shows the tracks did follow the rock outcrops as I guessed in my map. Looks like we have a good run to the south now.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 May 31 2016, 01:04 AM

Sol 1356: Long-Distance ChemCam-RMI mosaic, centered on SSE - Mt Sharp. Quickly assembled in MS ICE using the 9 available Enhanced Data Product frames. Shows more of the detail of the extensive layering in the lower reaches of the mountain.
Width reduced to 2500 pxls



Posted by: HSchirmer May 31 2016, 02:20 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ May 31 2016, 02:04 AM) *
Sol 1356: Long-Distance ChemCam-RMI mosaic, centered on SSE - Mt Sharp. Quickly assembled in MS ICE using the 9 available Enhanced Data Product frames. Shows more of the detail of the extensive layering in the lower reaches of the mountain.
Width reduced to 2500 pxls



Wow, just wow. Literally a picture worth a thousand words.


Posted by: elakdawalla May 31 2016, 03:24 PM

New thread time! Now that Curiosity's wheels are back on Murray, we'll stick with this thread for a while. http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/space-images/charts/3d-route-map-for-curiosity-4.html. It'll be roughly 2 km of driving with sand dunes on our left and the Murray Buttes on our right. I'm not sure if there are plans to do much in the way of science stops along that traverse; I guess it depends on how different the Murray is here compared to its appearance at Pahrump hills.

Posted by: PaulH51 May 31 2016, 11:16 PM

Another drive on sol 1357: ~7 meters West followed by a short bump to the North, see http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/sol/01357.html
Hopefully we'll get enough of the end-of-drive NavCams to assemble the pano soon.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 1 2016, 11:04 PM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan anderson, dated 31 May 2016 - http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1358-a-simple-plan

QUOTE
Our activities over the weekend went well, and after a couple of complicated multi-sol plans we get to do a nice simple one-sol plan today! The Sol 1358 plan starts with ChemCam observations of the targets “Otiiha”, “Otjihase”, “Otjikoto”, and “Otjimbingwe” to assess variations in the bedrock chemistry. Mastcam will document those targets, and then we will dump out our remaining Okoruso sample. APXS then has an overnight observation of the target “Oudam”.
I was on downlink for ChemCam today, so while everyone was putting together the plan for today, I was busy analyzing the tons of great data that we got down over the long weekend!


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 2 2016, 01:25 AM

Sol 1358: The Okoruso drill sample dumped from CHIMRA (MAHLI & NavCam for context)



Posted by: elakdawalla Jun 2 2016, 02:18 PM

It's fascinating how dark the dump pile looks in Navcam. Navcams have red/IR filters on them (600-800nm), so the (relatively) blue tailings pile looks a lot darker to Navcam than it does to Mastcam/MAHLI.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 2 2016, 11:01 PM

QUOTE (elakdawalla @ Jun 2 2016, 10:18 PM) *
It's fascinating how dark the dump pile looks in Navcam.

When I shared that image elsewhere I had to add an arrow to point out the dump pile on the NavCam context image due to apparent colour differences smile.gif

And the latest from USGS:-
Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, dated 02 Jun 2016 - http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1360-preparing-to-drill
QUOTE
Arm work continues to go well, so preparation for drilling and sample analysis is the focus of the Sol 1360 plan. First, CheMin will dump the Lubango and Okoruso drill samples out of their cells. Then ChemCam and Mastcam will observe a bright vein named "Charlottenfelder" and a bedrock target called "Chameis Bay" before arm activities resume. MAHLI will take close-up images of the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01359/mhli/1359MH0004650010502127C00_DXXX.jpg and a single image of the "footprint" that APXS likely made on the Okoruso dump pile yesterday. Overnight, CheMin will analyze an empty cell to provide a baseline measurement before receiving the new drill sample. Early the next morning, before handover to the next plan, observations of the Sun and sky will measure dust in the atmosphere over the rover and search for clouds and dust devils. The Right Mastcam will take a 10-image mosaic of the "Otjizonjati" outcrop http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/proj/msl/redops/ods/surface/sol/01357/opgs/edr/ncam/NLB_517962226EDR_F0542280NCAM07753M_.JPG when it is well-illuminated by the morning sun. Finally, the RMI will acquire a 5-image mosaic of part of Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp) toward the south.




Posted by: elakdawalla Jun 2 2016, 11:04 PM

I didn't expect them to drill again so soon. In hindsight, it makes sense; I guess they want to see if the Murray here is any different than it was on the other side of the plateau.

Also, I didn't know they could keep two different samples in CheMin at the same time!

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 3 2016, 01:04 AM

QUOTE (elakdawalla @ Jun 3 2016, 07:04 AM) *
I didn't expect them to drill again so soon.

They have already completed the load tests and the overnight APXS, I guess we will know soon if they were acceptable.
R-MastCam Mosaic featuring the drill target (center of the mosaic) assembled in MS ICE
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27391318036/sizes/l

Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27391318036/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27391318036/sizes/o

Posted by: jvandriel Jun 3 2016, 07:29 PM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1357.

Jan van Driel



Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 4 2016, 03:03 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, dated 03 Jun 2016. http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1361-1363-drilling-oudam

QUOTE
The MSL Rover Planners have all the data they need to drill (no "mini-drill" required), so the plan for this weekend focuses on drilling into the Oudam bedrock target. The full drill is scheduled for Sol 1361, followed by MAHLI and Mastcam images of the new hole. The rover will then rest until Sol 1362, when the drill sample will be transferred to the scoop for Mastcam imaging and sieved. A fine-grained (<0.15 mm) portion of the sample then will be dropped into CheMin for an overnight mineralogical analysis. After the CheMin data are read out of the instrument on Sol 1363, Mastcam will take a multispectral set of images of the drill tailings and a Right Mastcam mosaic of an http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/proj/msl/redops/ods/surface/sol/01360/opgs/edr/ncam/NLB_518230185EDR_F0542280NCAM00286M_.JPG. In addition, ChemCam and Mastcam will observe a vein target named "Onganja" and a bedrock target dubbed "Ongeama," and Navcam will search for dust devils. Another busy weekend for MSL!


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 4 2016, 09:57 PM

Sol 1361 MAHLI, our latest sample hole at Oudam smile.gif


Posted by: elakdawalla Jun 4 2016, 10:18 PM

http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/space-images/mars/twelve-curiosity-drill-holes.html smile.gif

Also:


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 5 2016, 02:03 AM

Always enjoy Emily's montage's of MSL's drill sites, Each time it is published I wonder how large that montage will be when the mission is complete smile.gif

Here is a rough animation. No movement of the bedrock this time



Link to full size http://i.imgur.com/3sws1gI.gif

Posted by: James Sorenson Jun 6 2016, 02:01 AM

Here is my version of the drill hole gif. I haven't seen this done before, but I thought it would be interesting to see the hole without the drill tailings like it was brushed or blown away by the wind as well as what the hole may look like many years down the road after long term dust settling again.

Edit: For those that didn't know, Curiosity carries a 1909 VDB lincoln wheat penny on MAHLI's calibration target for inserting into images like this for scale.


Posted by: James Sorenson Jun 6 2016, 03:11 AM

Oh and that penny in the future image of the hole must have some magical dust repelling properties tongue.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 7 2016, 03:58 AM

Sol 1363 L-MastCam Rover Deck / CHEMIN Inlet Port Cover.
An interesting pattern of the surface dust has developed on the outside of the cover.

I looked back at the early images of the deck instruments acquired on sol 36, these show the port covers from SAM in the open / closed positions and were featured by JPL in a rather nice animation at the time. However in a short search I did not find an image of the open CHEMIN port cover, as I suspect the pattern may match strengthening ribs on the underside of the cover. Has anyone seen any manufacturing / assemble stage images of this cover?
Note: The pattern is visible in both the 'before and after' images related to inserting a sample. I can't recall observing this on earlier images.

My question is... How did the pattern form?

Thinking out loud, we could have had some frost or differential condensation on the cover followed by a dusting event that resulted in the pattern we see today. Any other ideas welcome smile.gif
I'm also wondering if we will be able to observe the formation of patterns on SAM's covers, after placing the Oudam sample inside in the coming days.


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 7 2016, 05:58 AM

More mud cracks? (raw Sol 1352 R-MastCam)


Edit... There are a lot more examples, full mosaic to follow once I have all the images smile.gif

Posted by: James Sorenson Jun 7 2016, 07:43 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Jun 6 2016, 08:58 PM) *
Note: The pattern is visible in both the 'before and after' images related to inserting a sample. I can't recall observing this on earlier images.

My question is... How did the pattern form?


It is clearly an exact imprint of the fidicual target that is seen here in the pre launch mastcam selfie in the thermal vac chamber. Now the question is why is this still visible if it was removed before launch? Perhaps left over adhesive and dust or frost is clinging to it now making it more visible? Hmmm....

http://marsmobile.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/news/whatsnew/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=1130

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 7 2016, 08:09 AM

QUOTE (James Sorenson @ Jun 7 2016, 03:43 PM) *
It is clearly an exact imprint of the fidicual target that is seen here in the pre launch mastcam selfie in the thermal vac chamber. Now the question is why is this still visible if it was removed before launch? Perhaps left over adhesive and dust or frost is clinging to it now making it more visible? Hmmm....

Great call on the fiducial targets James... smile.gif

I usually look at these before & after images of the port covers looking for dust trails, hoping to make an animation, but the wind shields have usually done a good job of keeping the covers fairly clear.

As you say adhesive residues sounds plausible, but why have we had to wait nearly 4 years to see the effect... It does not seem likely that they would have been painted over before launch, I saw the red organic sample boxes and thought maybe some painting followed the test, but I figure that those are not the flight canisters?

Edit: typo corrected 'fiducial'

Posted by: HSchirmer Jun 7 2016, 11:36 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Jun 7 2016, 09:09 AM) *
As you say adhesive residues sounds plausible, but why have we had to wait nearly 4 years to see the effect...


Hmm, very interesting point.
Most commercial adhesives are water sensitive acrylics,
What is the recent history of humidity around the rover?

Seems like you've stumbled across a simple and direct way to measure martian humidity....

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 7 2016, 11:53 AM

QUOTE (HSchirmer @ Jun 7 2016, 07:36 PM) *
What is the recent history of humidity around the rover?

The http://cab.inta-csic.es/rems/en/ is not currently reporting humidity, only daily min/max air and ground temperatures and pressure, and those don't appear to be out of the ordinary for the rover. Yes, should apply patches of that adhesive to sections of the 2020 deck, maybe get some interesting and cheap returns wink.gif

Posted by: fredk Jun 7 2016, 03:14 PM

The pattern was visible on sol 36 - look along the thin bright stripe on the cover in this image:
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/00036/mhli/0036MH0050000000E1_DXXX.jpg
Is humidity necessary for this? We know it's very dry here. Why not simply dust accumulating slowly onto glue residue? Another factor may be the direction of solar illumination - the new 1362 image has a fairly high phase angle.

Posted by: HSchirmer Jun 7 2016, 05:59 PM

QUOTE (fredk @ Jun 7 2016, 03:14 PM) *
Is humidity necessary for this? We know it's very dry here. Why not simply dust accumulating slowly onto glue residue? Another factor may be the direction of solar illumination - the new 1362 image has a fairly high phase angle.


Hey, not necessarily, a glue is basically a formulation of very slow-drying paint, the effect looked like it was due to something "sticky" but it could be texture or actual darkening.
The difference in appearance could be a result of adhesive residue causing a rougher surface, but could also be glue residue itself darkening, acrylic does react to UV exposure.

Posted by: Art Martin Jun 7 2016, 06:28 PM

Could it simply be that the material used for the ribbing is naturally magnetic?

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 8 2016, 01:22 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, dated 06 Jun 2016. http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1364-1365-analyzing-drill-sample

QUOTE
The Oudam drill campaign continues to go well, with sample acquired and ready for analysis. Planning is now restricted, so we are planning 2 sols today. On Sol 1364, ChemCam will acquire passive spectra of the drill tailings and a LIBS raster of the wall of the drill hole. Later that afternoon, the unsieved portion of the drill sample will be dumped on the ground and imaged by MAHLI from 25 cm to support future planning. After dark, MAHLI will take pictures of the inside of the drill hole, the tailings, and the CheMin inlet using its LEDs for illumination. The APXS will then be placed on the drill tailings for an overnight integration.
Early on Sol 1365, the Right Mastcam will extend the mosaic of Hartmann's Valley, adding 22 images. That afternoon, the APXS will be retracted and vibrated to clean it, then the arm will be moved out of the way for ChemCam and Mastcam observations of the drill tailings. Navcam will search for clouds both near the horizon and at zenith. Finally, CheMin will analyze the drill sample overnight.


Posted by: James Sorenson Jun 8 2016, 05:31 AM

I like the "UV darkening of the adhesive" theory. The trouble that I'm having though with it possibly being adhesive is it appears to take an exact imprint of the pattern like the pattern was intricately cutout then bonded which would support what we are seeing but that seems a little unlikely. I would have thought the pattern would be printed on some sort of backing surface with then a uniform adhesive on the back, which is not what we are seeing if that was the case. Need more information on these particular fidicual targets, how they were made and applied, and why they were removed. Though the latter isn't as important to know.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 8 2016, 11:31 AM

QUOTE (James Sorenson @ Jun 8 2016, 01:31 PM) *
I would have thought the pattern would be printed on some sort of backing surface with then a uniform adhesive on the back, which is not what we are seeing if that was the case.

I really enjoy a good detective story smile.gif So I throw a possible clue onto the table (just for fun)...

I looked at the Photo-Journal page for http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA14131 which make reference to a 'space simulation chamber at JPL'

Google pointed me to the actual chamber used https://www.caltech.edu/news/whatever-happened-space-simulator-jpl-23640 which even has a photo of Curi in the chamber before the doors were closed.

The chamber contains a large 'collimating mirror' on the seiling that collects light from 37 xenon arc lamps installed in a 'solar basement,' and focuses the light onto a test subject. Each of the lamps are 20 to 25-kilowatts depending on which reference I found... the other link to the test chamber (Chamber 25 Space Simulator, Building 150) http://etl.jpl.nasa.gov/thermalvacuum.html

So, returning to Jame's comment about one piece labels with a uniform adhesive / UV darkening etc.

Xenon arc lamps produce a lot of light and a lot of UV, maybe enough to alter the backing adhesive of the temporary fiducial targets on the port covers. But why the different effects leaving our matching pattern behind? Possibly the intense UV from the xenon lamps passed through the black and white fiducial marks differently, one section being masked? Maybe this resulted in some change in sections of the uniform adhesive where some was altered or baked onto the surface?

Just another 2 cents towards this discussion smile.gif

Posted by: mcaplinger Jun 8 2016, 03:54 PM

QUOTE (James Sorenson @ Jun 7 2016, 09:31 PM) *
I would have thought the pattern would be printed on some sort of backing surface with then a uniform adhesive on the back...

If you look at the original M34 raw images taken in the system thermal test (sorry, can't share), you can see that the background color is identical to the cover's, so there is no backing surface as far as I can tell at the resolution of the image. It looks like a cut decal, very conformal to the cover.

I don't know more about the story of this target, but I have some inquiries in.

[EDIT]
Ah, the full story. The covers were originally black-anodized but were found to be flaking ( http://llis.nasa.gov/lesson/8403 .) Seems like the original white target got stripped off when the covers were reanodized but there was some residual etching and that's what you're seeing.

Posted by: HSchirmer Jun 8 2016, 04:52 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Jun 8 2016, 03:54 PM) *
If you look at the original M34 raw images taken in the system thermal test (sorry, can't share), you can see that the background color is identical to the cover's, so there is no backing surface as far as I can tell at the resolution of the image. It looks like a cut decal, very conformal to the cover.

I don't know more about the story of this target, but I have some inquiries in.

[EDIT]
Ah, the full story. The covers were originally black-anodized but were found to be flaking ( http://llis.nasa.gov/lesson/8403 .)


Hey, two birds with one stone- the crosshair pattern and mudcrack flaking.

Seems the rover's aluminum was developing a mini-mudcrack pattern as the anodized layer flaked off...


SEM images of the flaking surface showed a micro-cracking or crazing
of the surface with much of the anodize removed.

Posted by: Steve5304 Jun 8 2016, 07:02 PM

So this pretty much tells us mars atmosphere eats and corrodes stuff over a period of time. Much more than earth... That explains the wasteland of hollow rocks.

Posted by: fredk Jun 8 2016, 07:07 PM

How does it tell us that? The anodized coating flaking was during testing on earth, if that's what you meant.

The pattern visible in mastcam now is due to residual etching according to mcaplinger. Perhaps it was especially noticable due to the large phase angle.

Posted by: HSchirmer Jun 8 2016, 07:28 PM

QUOTE (Steve5304 @ Jun 8 2016, 07:02 PM) *
So this pretty much tells us mars atmosphere eats and corrodes stuff over a period of time. Much more than earth... That explains the wasteland of hollow rocks.


Sorry, I should have been clearer - Curiosity has tan lines.
Instead of spring breakers writing-on-somebody-with-sun-tan-lotion, it's engineers, sticker residue and aluminum that was re-anodized on earth.

Same end result, you can see the pattern where something protected the surface.

The part that seems poetic is that the covers had to be re-anodized because the anodizing flaked off, creating a mud crack pattern, likely due to temperature variation.
That same temperature crack pattern seems to appear on the exposed rocks around curiosity.

Posted by: mcaplinger Jun 8 2016, 08:32 PM

QUOTE (HSchirmer @ Jun 8 2016, 11:28 AM) *
...sticker residue and aluminum that was re-anodized on earth. Same end result, you can see the pattern where something protected the surface.

To be clear, I don't think there was ever adhesive of any kind. I think the original white pattern was some kind of paint/marking ink (probably epoxy-based, that's what we use for labeling) that was stripped off when the cover was re-anodized.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 8 2016, 08:49 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Jun 9 2016, 04:32 AM) *
... I think the original white pattern was some kind of paint/marking ink (probably epoxy-based, that's what we use for labeling) that was stripped off when the cover was re-anodized.

Thanks for solving this puzzle smile.gif

I have one remaining question. The reworked cover contains a single white line in place of the fiducial marker on the anodised cover, does that line perform a similar role to the earlier markers? Or does it have a different role?

Posted by: mcaplinger Jun 8 2016, 09:24 PM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Jun 8 2016, 12:49 PM) *
The reworked cover contains a single white line in place of the fiducial marker on the anodised cover, does that line perform a similar role to the earlier markers?

I don't see what you're talking about. As far as I know all of these targets were used for arm checkout and don't have any ongoing operational role, but I could be mistaken.

Posted by: HSchirmer Jun 8 2016, 09:31 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Jun 8 2016, 09:24 PM) *
I don't see what you're talking about. As far as I know all of these targets were used for arm checkout and don't have any ongoing operational role, but I could be mistaken.




Eh, pretty sure it is the a white line across the lower portion of the "ping-pong-paddle".

Hmm, seems like the "handle" is a bit darker than the "face"

Posted by: mcaplinger Jun 8 2016, 10:35 PM

QUOTE (HSchirmer @ Jun 8 2016, 01:31 PM) *
Eh, pretty sure it is the a white line across the lower portion of the "ping-pong-paddle".

I think that's a step in the face of the cover, not a color difference, but I could be wrong.

Posted by: serpens Jun 8 2016, 11:10 PM

Kudos to fredk for the insight on phase angle which explained why I couldn't find the artefact on earlier deck images taken on Mars and thanks to mcaplinger for taking the time and effort to research the events that caused the anomaly.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 9 2016, 03:10 AM

QUOTE (serpens @ Jun 9 2016, 07:10 AM) *
Kudos to fredk for the insight on phase angle... and thanks to mcaplinger for taking the time and effort to research the events that caused the anomaly.

Seconded... Very grateful for everyone's time and knowledge (as always)

Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1366-1367-opportunistic-contact-science
QUOTE
The day started off with some changes to the sol path due to some holes in the downlink. Unfortunately some engineering camera and MAHLI images from Sol 1364 were not fully transmitted, so the team worked quickly to rearrange the intended activities this week. Fortunately that also meant that we could add in some opportunistic DRT, MAHLI and APXS activities on Sol 1366.
The two-sol plan starts off with ChemCam and Mastcam observations of the Oudam drill hole and tailings, and the nearby target “Omulonga.” We’ll also acquire some Mastcam and Navcam observations to monitor the atmosphere. In the afternoon of the first sol, we’ll use the DRT, MALHI and APXS to characterize the bedrock target “Aubures” to look for variations in texture and chemistry within the Murray formation. On the second sol we’ll acquire a 360 degree Mastcam mosaic for geologic context, and a routine SAM electrical baseline test to monitor instrument health. Hopefully the Navcam images will be retransmitted so we can continue with our drill site characterization activities later this week!




Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 9 2016, 10:28 AM

Peeling Back the History of Mars, One Layer at a Time smile.gif

Sol 1352 R-Mastcam. Crop from an incomplete mosaic assembled in MS ICE
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/26947319313/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/26947319313/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/26947319313/sizes/o

Posted by: Fran Ontanaya Jun 9 2016, 10:37 AM

If you look at the shadows, that elongated feature in the lower left is held in the air just by the tip.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 9 2016, 01:41 PM

QUOTE (Fran Ontanaya @ Jun 9 2016, 06:37 PM) *
If you look at the shadows, that elongated feature in the lower left is held in the air just by the tip.

We have seen several similar 'near floating' aeolian features. The reduced gravity on Mars will help, as will the lack of rain, but I guess that differential levels of cementation probably played a big role as well as the direction of the prevailing wind. smile.gif

Posted by: atomoid Jun 9 2016, 09:34 PM

Mars never ceases to amaze! here are stereos (anaglyph/crosseye/parellel) of http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01352/1352ML0064980660600468E01_DXXX.html suspended pipe and a stone with piggyback nodule either sitting atop or part of a ledge protuberance..


Posted by: serpens Jun 9 2016, 10:58 PM

Almost nearly but not quite as impressive as Opportunity's berries on stalks.

Posted by: atomoid Jun 10 2016, 01:06 AM

those Oppy berries on stalks were impressive, and i had thought they were comparatively tiny, but turns out i am continually surprised yet again how mastcam inflates everything it images.. so this little schtick that seemed like part of a lost pencil now looks to be but a bit of dried spaghetti, given the proximity to the wheel as imaged by navcam on http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01349/NRB_517255171EDR_F0541610NCAM00354M_.html though its too small to determine the jointing to the base rock out in that lo-res shot, so its much lighter than at least i had suspected, not much tensile strength needed at all to preserve such whimsical artifacts being so small.. turns out i had http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?showtopic=8168&view=findpost&p=230915 of it unawares back in the previous thread ....yes i guess this post is drifting a little off-thread now based on the sol cutoff for 'crossing the dunes...'

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 10 2016, 05:23 AM

QUOTE (atomoid @ Jun 10 2016, 09:06 AM) *
those Oppy berries on stalks were impressive, and i had thought they were comparatively tiny, but turns out i am continually surprised yet again how mastcam inflates everything it images....yes i guess this post is drifting a little off-thread now based on the sol cutoff for 'crossing the dunes...'


Ooops, missed the cut off day for the thread... Hopefully the mods can sort this out...

I was curious as to the actual size of the feature smile.gif So.... Using the AlgorimancerPG Photogrammetry and RangeFinder Utility by Clark Andersen, I measured the length of the pencil like structure using the L&R NavCam images from sol 1349 when the rover arrived at that location

The length was reported as a fraction under 40 mm or 1.55 inches, so a stubby pencil indeed smile.gif

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 10 2016, 01:01 PM

A bit late, but I've been on the Moon. This is a circular version of Jan's panorama from sol 1357 showing the area around Oudam.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 11 2016, 07:15 AM

Montage of sol 1366 images featuring what could be 'http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1366-1367-opportunistic-contact-science'. R-MastCam/RMI mosaic/NavCam


Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar, dated 10 Jun 2016 - http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1368-1370-on-the-road-again
QUOTE
We received the engineering data that we needed to proceed with the final science activities at the Oudam drill site. Today’s plan is focused on analyzing the pre-sieve dump pile and getting on the road again.
The three-sol plan starts by moving the arm out of the way so we can target the workspace. First we’ll acquire a ChemCam passive observation on the pre-sieve dump pile, followed by several ChemCam and Mastcam observations of nearby veins. Then we’ll use all of the Mastcam filters to study the DRT target “Aubures,” and we’ll acquire a Mastcam mosaic to document the local geology. We’ll also target two areas to look for changes and the movement of fine-grained material. Then we’ll move the arm back to the dump pile for MAHLI and APXS observations. On the second sol we’ll use ChemCam to target the dump pile, and then we’ll drive away. We’ll take our standard post-drive imaging, and an autonomously selected ChemCam target. The third sol is devoted to ChemCam and Mastcam observations to monitor the chemistry and opacity of the atmosphere.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 12 2016, 08:53 PM

Just in case you hadn't noticed, Curioity's Midnight Planets page is not loading the latest images. I messaged Michael, and he is away until next Sunday when things should return to normal smile.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 13 2016, 01:00 AM

Sol 1357/1368 comparison:
Looking for changes and the movement of fine-grained materials http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1368-1370-on-the-road-again


Posted by: fredk Jun 13 2016, 04:25 AM

Yeah, that was very close to the drill site as this wider navcam view shows:
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/proj/msl/redops/ods/surface/sol/01361/opgs/edr/ncam/NRB_518326739EDR_F0542280NCAM00309M_.JPG

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 13 2016, 07:28 AM

Sol 1369 drive by Curiosity, drive details currently unknown with only a selection of NavCams available, so here is a quick and dirty end-of drive stitch (MS ICE)
Hope this can help to narrow down the location smile.gif Cropped to bring it within the upload limit.


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 13 2016, 04:03 PM

Thanks Paul - I am completely reliant on our benefactors here on UMSF for panoramas.

It did give a good location. Here's a reprojection, made at my B&B in Lyme Regis, Dorset while supposedly on holiday.

Phil


Posted by: Sean Jun 13 2016, 04:17 PM

Here is a 3D model of Curi in situ on Sol 1357, scaled to HiRISE image of visit to Namib. Model includes notional route ahead.

This link will take you to the model on Sketchfab...

https://sketchfab.com/models/36f91367471e42389abbb3bd108e1955



Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 13 2016, 09:07 PM

QUOTE (Phil Stooke @ Jun 14 2016, 12:03 AM) *
Thanks Paul - I am completely reliant on our benefactors here on UMSF for panoramas.
It did give a good location. Here's a reprojection, made at my B&B in Lyme Regis, Dorset while supposedly on holiday.

Thanks for the reprojection and the new location map. Lyme Regis is a beautiful part of my old country. Hope you get chance to spend a little time at the 'Jurassic Coast' during your 'holiday' smile.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 13 2016, 09:11 PM

QUOTE (Sean @ Jun 14 2016, 12:17 AM) *
Here is a 3D model of Curi in situ on Sol 1357, scaled to HiRISE image of visit to Namib. Model includes notional route ahead.

Really impressed with this Sean... Some breathtaking scenery lies ahead, and now I have a sense of the topography that the rover will travel through, I'm looking forward to the journey even more smile.gif

Posted by: john_s Jun 13 2016, 09:14 PM

Well that's bizarre- I'm also on holiday in Lyme Regis. Haven't run into Phil, though, and I'm leaving early in the morning.

John

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 13 2016, 10:01 PM

Hi John! I leave tomorrow too.

Phil

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 14 2016, 11:19 AM

JPL have issued PIA20748 on its Photojournal page, it presents information relating to Curiosity's first 14 rock / soil sampling sites which are shown on a full traverse map.
I have attached the 'modest' version of the image. The full size image is available on this http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA20748.jpg and the catalog page: http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20748
In addition to dates and site reference numbers for the activities, they have also provided the elevation data for the first 11 drill sites. I can't recall seeing that data in a release before, so it may be of interest to those who follow Curiosity's ongoing journey smile.gif
They also released 2 versions of the recent MAHLI self portrait at the 'Okoruso' drill site: see http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20602 and http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20603



Posted by: Gerald Jun 14 2016, 01:16 PM

Nice synopsis of the drill holes!
The Oudam drill tailings look tinted to reddish, as a hint to a few percent of hematite abundance, again, and presumedly low in clay minerals.

Posted by: jvandriel Jun 14 2016, 02:35 PM

The complete Navcam L view on Sol 1369.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 14 2016, 05:23 PM

Thanks, Jan - here is a circular version, giving a good view of the surroundings.

And... where am I today? Eype's Mouth. It's where part of Broadchurch was filmed.

Phil


Posted by: fredk Jun 14 2016, 06:05 PM

Phil route map for sol 1371:


The locations are probably good to within a couple of km, but the route is a complete guess until we can spot his tracks. Closeup maps with activities are pending...
laugh.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 14 2016, 06:53 PM

Genius! But you're in the wrong thread...

Phil

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 14 2016, 10:02 PM

Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar, dated 13 Jun 2016, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1371-1372-driving-south

QUOTE
The weekend drive went well, and Curiosity drove ~ 32 m to the south. This southward path will eventually take us through a gap in the active sand dunes that will be easier for Curiosity to traverse. We’re planning another drive today, which will take us in the direction of the above Navcam image.

Today’s two-sol plan consists of several ChemCam and Mastcam observations of the Murray formation to assess variations in texture and chemistry. We also planned a small Mastcam mosaic to document some nearby cross-stratification and nodules, and a small MAHLI mosaic of the target “Berg Aukas” before driving away. After the drive, we’ll acquire our standard set of post-drive imaging for context and targeting. The second sol includes a small untargeted science block, which we filled with a ChemCam autonomously selected target and a Mastcam observation to monitor the opacity of the atmosphere.


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 15 2016, 02:58 PM

As planned a drive on sol 1371, only have a partial pan so far (cropped to fit)
MP still down, but Mr Knapp's page shows SSE by around 30 meters
Hope this helps narrow down the location until Jan can post the full pan. Meanwhile its back to Falcon 9 smile.gif




Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 15 2016, 03:59 PM

Alas, I think I need the Full Monty (AKA a 360 degree pan) to get this one.

Phil, now in Abbotsbury and quite exhausted.

Posted by: Sean Jun 15 2016, 08:46 PM

Here is a quick stitch of the pano from Sol 1367 Mastcam left...

https://flic.kr/p/J9gYPy

https://www.flickr.com/photos/136797589@N04/27660634046/sizes/l


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 15 2016, 11:20 PM

The full 360 pano, sol 1371 R-MastCam (MS ICE C/W the usual errors)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27086476683/sizes/l

Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27086476683/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27086476683/sizes/o

EDIT
Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, dated 15 Jun 2016, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1373-1374-no-touch-just-go-

QUOTE
The 32-meter Sol 1371 drive completed exactly as planned, giving the rover a good http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/proj/msl/redops/ods/surface/sol/01371/opgs/edr/ncam/NLB_519213780EDR_F0542784NCAM00288M_.JPG. So another ~30-meter drive is planned for Sol 1373, after some remote science observations. We had the option of using the DRT and taking MAHLI images of the brush spot before the drive, but the science team decided to acquire more remote science observations rather than brushing the Stimson Formation bedrock reachable by the arm. Mastcam will image the path ahead through all spectral filters, then ChemCam and the Right Mastcam will observe Stimson bedrock targets "Sesfontein" and "Swartbooisdrif." The Right Mastcam will image the ChemCam target that was autonomously selected by the AEGIS software on Sol 1371, and a Left Mastcam mosaic of a http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/proj/msl/redops/ods/surface/sol/01371/opgs/edr/ncam/NLB_519213875EDR_F0542784NCAM00288M_.JPG west of the rover is planned. On Sol 1374, AEGIS will be used to autonomously acquire another ChemCam observation and the Left Mastcam will take a 3x2 mosaic of the same area.

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 16 2016, 08:35 PM

Now I can locate the rover! Here is a circular view of Paul's panorama. We are on top of a little cliff which looks dramatic in HiRISE (see map) but is invisible here because of the lighting.

As for my traverse of the Jurassic Coast - I'm in Weymouth, last day of my trip and time to head back to Salisbury tomorrow.

Phil


Posted by: Sean Jun 17 2016, 04:10 AM

Here is an updated model showing Curi's current location, utilising Phil's mapping.

Sketchfab:
https://skfb.ly/PCN8

I've made a number of improvements to improve fidelity and performance.

 

Posted by: Sean Jun 17 2016, 01:34 PM

Sol 1373 NR 360...

https://flic.kr/p/Jce7j1

https://www.flickr.com/photos/136797589@N04/27694023396/sizes/l

Is it me or did Flickr just now support 2:1 panoramas? The image popped up already warped and rotating!

And for fun, the 3D version, with the usual stereo errors, but the view is so nice!

https://flic.kr/p/Jce8RQ

https://www.flickr.com/photos/136797589@N04/27694028606/sizes/l

Posted by: jvandriel Jun 17 2016, 02:20 PM

Here is my view of the Sol 1373 NL B panorama.

Jan van Driel.


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 17 2016, 06:19 PM

Thanks, Jan, and here it is in a circular version.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 18 2016, 06:48 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, Dated 17 June 2016 http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1375-1377-another-busy-weekend

QUOTE
The Sol 1373 drive completed successfully, moving the rover over 31 meters toward the south. There's lots of bedrock exposed around the vehicle, but no flat patches large enough to brush in the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/proj/msl/redops/ods/surface/sol/01373/opgs/edr/ncam/NLB_519391997EDR_F0543036NCAM00353M_.JPG. So MAHLI will take images of an unbrushed target called "Andara" before the APXS is placed on it for an overnight integration. Before these arm activities on Sol 1375, ChemCam and the Right Mastcam will observe Andara and other bedrock targets "Okoloti," "Kalkfeld," and "Khorixas." Mastcam will then acquire a stereo mosaic of a nice outcrop toward the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/proj/msl/redops/ods/surface/sol/01373/opgs/edr/ncam/NLB_519392236EDR_F0543036NCAM00289M_.JPG dubbed "Baynes Mountains" and a left-eye mosaic of another outcrop northwest of the rover. The CheMin team requested another portion of the Oudam drill sample, which will be delivered late that afternoon. After dark, MAHLI will image the CheMin inlet using its LEDs for illumination.

Late in the morning of Sol 1376, APXS will integrate again on Andara to compare the quality of data acquired at different temperatures. Then the arm will be stowed for a long (about 55 meters) drive, which will be followed by the usual post-drive imaging and another ChemCam AEGIS (autonomously-targeted) observation.

On Sol 1377, the Left Mastcam will acquire a mosaic of the rover deck, to serve as a baseline for comparison with future images taken after passing the sand dunes along the path ahead. Sand blown across the rover might remove some of the dust on the rover deck. Finally, CheMin will analyze the new Oudam sample portion overnight. It should be another busy weekend for MSL!

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 19 2016, 03:45 AM

For those of you who have missed it as much as I have... http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/latestImages.html is back up to speed smile.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 19 2016, 12:56 PM

125 frame, L-MastCam panorama (sol 1367) MS ICE with no additional processing
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27156403923/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27156403923/sizes/h
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27156403923/sizes/k
Flickr full size http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27156403923/sizes/o

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 20 2016, 04:31 AM

Sol 1376 End of Drive partial L-NavCam mosaic. At first glance it does not feel like the http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1375-1377-another-busy-weekend, but this may give a few clues as to the distance / location. Low(ish) resolution to keep under the page limit. Stitched in MS ICE with the usual errors.


EDIT: Midnight Planets 'reported http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/sol/01376.html

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 20 2016, 09:50 AM

It does help! Here is a semicircular version:



That dark marking to the southwest (north approx. at top as always in these projections of mine) is easy to find in HiRISE. This point is just about at the 13 km mark of the traverse.

Phil

Posted by: Sean Jun 20 2016, 11:48 AM

Paul, I took your view and did a quick compare with the HiRISE DTM for fun...

https://flic.kr/p/JefsHi

...prettay, prettay, prettay good!



Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 20 2016, 11:58 AM

QUOTE (Sean @ Jun 20 2016, 07:48 PM) *
Paul, I took your view and did a quick compare with the HiRISE DTM for fun...
...prettay, prettay, prettay good!

Well that works for me smile.gif Nicely done Sean.....

Posted by: scalbers Jun 20 2016, 04:17 PM

That's really neat with the 3-D modeling from HIRISE. For example it would be possible to make movies of the rover view of the past and future routes. The past routes can (and http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=7890&view=findpost&p=231215) enhanced with the Curiosity imagery.

Posted by: Sean Jun 20 2016, 05:13 PM

Yes Herobrine has done some excellent work in that area but he is crunching seriously way more numbers than my mere computer and brain can manage.

The plan is to make a reasonably accessible 3D version of Curi's journey via Sketchfab with annotated links to panos etc along the way. Eventually hoping to host the whole journey over on http://janusvr.com/

https://skfb.ly/PCN8


Posted by: atomoid Jun 20 2016, 10:01 PM

that's really cool, i could lose my whole day playing around in that sandbox, though hard to get fine enough movement controls with such a large world size, perhaps the size maxed out here, but here is a sample compare (though my eyeballing probably didn't get sol1376 position that well) of that hummock on http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01376/NRB_519658360EDR_F0550000NCAM07753M_.html.. and stereo too..


Posted by: Sean Jun 20 2016, 11:09 PM

I'm hoping for some improvement in the sensitivity of moving around by experimenting with the scale of the imported model, although I suspect Sketchfab impose rigid constraints for what is allowed.

Don't forget that you can change navigation mode in the menu to first person and then change walking speed with the mouse wheel which gives you fine control over movement as well as looking great in VR.

Having scouted the notional route ahead it appears we are in for some awesome vistas!

Here is a 360 for Sol 1376...

https://flic.kr/p/JmeSPZ

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 21 2016, 07:43 AM

Thanks, Sean - here is a circular version.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 22 2016, 02:22 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1378-1379-making-up-for-lost-distance

QUOTE
Over the weekend, the rover stopped after about 17 meters of the planned 65 meter drive. The rover is fine, the drive just tripped one of the (very conservative) limits on how the rover’s suspension was expected to behave, causing Curiosity to stop and check in with Earth. Since there is nothing jumping out at us as a contact science target where we stopped, in today’s plan we will try to make up for some of the lost distance from the weekend plan.
In the Sol 1378 plan, ChemCam has observations of some bedrock at the target “Tombua” and a rock named “Ai Ais”. Mastcam then will image the two ChemCam targets, as well as the Sol 1376 AEGIS target. Mastcam will also image some veins at a location called “Helgas”. After that, we will drive and collect some typical post-drive imaging.
On Sol 1379, we won’t have data down from Sol 1378 yet, so it is an untargeted plan. In the morning, ChemCam, NavCam, and Mastcam have some atmospheric observations. Then in the afternoon, ChemCam has some calibration observations, followed by a few more Mastcam atmospheric observations.


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 22 2016, 08:24 AM

Midnight Planets reports that Curiosity moved approximately 42.7m S (-171º) on Sol 1378 - http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/sol/01378.html
I'll add one of my rough-n-ready pano's as soon as I have enough frames smile.gif

Posted by: jvandriel Jun 22 2016, 05:12 PM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1378.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 22 2016, 06:59 PM

Here's a quick circular version of that pan - thanks, Jan. This gives a really nice depiction of our location near those big drifts.

Phil


Posted by: Sean Jun 22 2016, 11:41 PM

Sol 1375 MR crop
https://flic.kr/p/HuB4cu


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 23 2016, 06:10 AM

QUOTE (Sean @ Jun 23 2016, 07:41 AM) *
Sol 1375 MR crop

Very nice scenery, thanks Sean smile.gif

HiRISE have finally released the latest image of Curiosity PIA20738 : Curiosity on the Naukluft Plateau during 25 March 2016 / Rover Sol 1291

Photojournal Page (PIA20738) http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20738
HiRISE Page (ESP_045293_1755) http://www.uahirise.org/ESP_045293_1755

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 23 2016, 11:10 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar: Dated 22 June 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1380-1381-contact-science-at-koes-

QUOTE
The drive on Sol 1378 went well, and Curiosity drove ~44 m to the south, bringing our total drive distance to more than 13.2 km. We’re currently making our way through a gap in the Bagnold dunes (part of a dune is visible in the upper left of the drive direction Navcam frame, above).
Today’s two-sol plan includes targeted remote sensing, and contact science at a target named “Koes.” We’ve been searching for a good place to do contact science on the Murray formation around here, and there won’t be enough power or time to fit contact science in the weekend plan, so it’s great to pick it up here. The plan starts with ChemCam and Mastcam observations of “Koes” and “Onawa” to characterize the Murray formation. Then we’ll use the DRT to brush off a fresh surface at “Koes,” followed by MAHLI imaging. We’ll also use MAHLI to image the rover wheels, as part of our ongoing monitoring. Then we’ll place APXS for an overnight integration on “Koes.” We’ll also carry out a SAM preconditioning activity, which heats up a sample cup in preparation for solid sample analysis. Curiosity will wake up early the next morning to acquire a Mastcam mosaic of “Baynes Mountain” to document the contact between the Murray and Stimson formations. On Sol 1381, we’ll acquire another ChemCam observation of the Murray formation at “Khoabendus,” and we’ll use Mastcam to characterize veins at the target “Helgas.” Then Navcam will be used to monitor the atmosphere and search for dust devils.


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 24 2016, 03:54 AM

Sol 1378 end-of-drive MAHLI, rotated and enhanced
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27255132423/sizes/l

1024x919 http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27255132423/sizes/l
1961x1760 http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27255132423/sizes/o

Posted by: Explorer1 Jun 24 2016, 06:16 AM

I'd say it's surreal, but after this many years on the forum I know better. Great work Paul!

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 26 2016, 03:44 AM

Another busy weekend on Mars, Sol 1380 MAHLI image of APXS target 'Koes'


Posted by: Sean Jun 26 2016, 08:39 PM

Some snaps from Sol 1381...

ML
https://flic.kr/p/Juh2xj

MR
https://flic.kr/p/Jxm17g

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 27 2016, 02:55 AM

QUOTE (Sean @ Jun 27 2016, 04:39 AM) *
Some snaps from Sol 1381

Sean's L-MastCam mosaic appears to be "Baynes Mountain" mosaic referenced in the recent http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1380-1381-contact-science-at-koes-
QUOTE
"Curiosity will wake up early the next morning to acquire a Mastcam mosaic of “Baynes Mountain” to document the contact between the Murray and Stimson formations".

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 27 2016, 07:34 AM

http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/sol/01383.html reports today's drive as ~30.7m SSW (-165º) on Sol 1383. Stitching errors, but it will hopefully suffice until a better version can be posted smile.gif
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27855068321/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27855068321/sizes/l
Flick http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27855068321/sizes/o Full-Size

Posted by: Sean Jun 27 2016, 09:44 AM

Update on Sol 1381...

ML
https://flic.kr/p/JrCFYa

MR
https://flic.kr/p/JpsZUo

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 27 2016, 12:09 PM

QUOTE (Sean @ Jun 27 2016, 05:44 PM) *
Update on Sol 1381...

Some interesting tonal changes around some of the larger fractures in the dark capping rock beyond the dunes featured Sean's R-MastCam mosaic.

Even if the rover drove to the edge of the sand I think they could be beyond the max 7 m range for LIBS.

Posted by: jvandriel Jun 27 2016, 12:46 PM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1383.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 27 2016, 02:55 PM

Thanks, Jan, and Paul for your pan as well.

Here is Jan's panorama in a circular form to show the location.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 28 2016, 02:24 AM

2 x Curiosity Mission Updates from Ryan Anderson: both dated 27 June 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1382-1383-phobos-transit-and-soliday & http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1384-baynes-mountain

QUOTE
1) Contact science in the Sol 1380-1381 plan went well, so we're back to driving in the weekend plan!
Sol 1382 will start with a Mastcam video of Phobos crossing in front of the sun, plus a multispectral observation of the brushed target “Koes”. ChemCam will then analyze the targets “Koes,” “Kongola,” and “Rundu” and Mastcam will document those observations. After that, we will drop off some of the “Oudam” sample to SAM for analysis.
On Sol 1383 the rover will drive and then collect the usual post-drive images, including an 8x1 mosaic along the side of the rover to study changing textures as we drive. We’ll also take some extra Navcam images of a crater in the distance. Later in the day, Mastcam has a couple of atmospheric observations and ChemCam has an auto-targeted observation.
The weekend plan is only two sols since Sunday is a “soliday” allowing Earth and Mars schedules to get back in sync. But the plan does include an early morning science block for Sol 1384 to collect some atmospheric observations with Navcam and Mastcam.

2) Our weekend soliday plan was successful, putting us about halfway to our next likely drilling location. We are now in “unrestricted” planning again, meaning we will be getting data down overnight and can plan every day this week.
The Sol 1384 plan starts with ChemCam of the target “Berseba”. Mastcam will also image Berseba, as well as the ChemCam AEGIS target from the weekend. Mastcam then has a mosaic of the nearby “Baynes Mountain” to capture the details of the stratigraphy there, as well as some atmospheric observations. After that, the plan is to drive for about 70 meters and collect our standard post-drive images. Since the drive is expected to put us in a location with a good view of the surrounding geology, we will also do a 360 degree Mastcam mosaic at the end of the sol.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 28 2016, 09:10 AM

http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/sol/01384.html reports Curiosity moved approximately 61.8m SW (-144º) on Sol 1384
Quick & dirty sol 1384 post-drive L-NavCam mosaic that may help the location fix


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 28 2016, 10:33 PM

Roughly assembled 1384 L-NavCam 360


Full size on Imgur http://i.imgur.com/2uUKP5i.jpg

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 29 2016, 01:26 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson: Dated 28 June 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1385-drive-then-drive-some-more

QUOTE
Not a lot to report today: these one-sol drive plans are pretty simple! (Well, as simple as driving a giant robot on another planet can be…) Yesterday’s drive took us a little over 60m and we’re planning another drive in the sol 1385 plan. Before the drive, we have a short science block with a ChemCam observation of the target “Epembe” and a Mastcam mosaic of “Baynes Mountain” to fill a gap in the 360 mosaic from yesterday. After that, we’ll drive for about 70 meters and collect post-drive imaging. We’ll also use AEGIS to do a ChemCam observation after the drive and use MAHLI to look at the ground under our wheels.


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 29 2016, 02:42 AM

Thanks for the panorama, Paul. here's a circular version.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 29 2016, 08:05 AM

QUOTE (Phil Stooke @ Jun 29 2016, 10:42 AM) *
Thanks for the panorama, Paul. here's a circular version.

As the old saying there is no rest for the wicked.... Or in this case no rest for this car sized rover driving across this friendly terrain... smile.gif
http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/sol/01385.html reports that Curiosity moved approximately 67.8m S (172º) on Sol 1385...
hopefully we wont have to wait too long for some full frame end-of-drive NavCam's to help Phil to get a fix on the location.

Posted by: jvandriel Jun 29 2016, 08:51 AM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1384.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: jvandriel Jun 29 2016, 09:16 AM

and the view on Sol 1385.

Jan van Driel.


Posted by: charborob Jun 29 2016, 10:38 PM

Sol 1384 Rmastcam panorama:
https://flic.kr/p/Jwk29R
(This is the first time that I link to an image on Flickr. I hope I did it correctly.)

(Edit: corrected the broken link)

Posted by: atomoid Jun 30 2016, 12:09 AM

charborob, its broken.. click = about:blank, looks like the "[/url]" got left out (see right edge of image). i've never tried Flikr so can't help with that but hoping its just a typo in your post i hope that helps, im looking forward to seeing it.

http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01385/NRB_520452596EDR_F0551312NCAM00252M_.html view anaglyph complete with ICE stitch artifacts plus a small section for parellel viewing


Posted by: Sean Jun 30 2016, 01:57 AM

Some nice images down from 1384...

ML wide
https://flic.kr/p/JumzTE

ML crop
https://flic.kr/p/HH9AA6

MR
https://flic.kr/p/JAmEHN

Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 30 2016, 04:16 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson: Dated 29 June 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1386-studying-trekkopje-checking-the-wheels

QUOTE
Our drive in the Sol 1385 plan took us 66 meters, continuing our path south between the “Baynes Mountains” and “Helgas Dune". The plan for Sol 1386 starts off with APXS and MAHLI observations of the target “Trekkopje”, followed by a short science block. Mastcam will start off the block with some atmospheric measurements, then ChemCam will join in the fun and analyze Trekkopje too. Mastcam will document that observation and the AEGIS observation from Sol 1385, followed by a couple of small mosaics studying the rim of a nearby crater. Instead of driving, we will use MAHLI to do a check-up on our wheels in today’s plan.


Posted by: Sean Jun 30 2016, 01:30 PM

Sol 1384 MR crop

https://flic.kr/p/HHYRVE


Posted by: PaulH51 Jun 30 2016, 10:46 PM

Roughly stitched sol 1385 L-NavCam pano (MS ICE)


Full size http://i.imgur.com/KDd2gz6.jpg (Imgur)

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jun 30 2016, 11:20 PM

This is a circular version of the sol 1385 pan by Paul.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 1 2016, 03:49 AM

QUOTE (Phil Stooke @ Jul 1 2016, 07:20 AM) *
This is a circular version of the sol 1385 pan by Paul.

I think I just tweaked my neck while enjoying the Murray Buttes in that circular version wink.gif
EDIT

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson: Dated 30 June 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1387-1388-limited-targeting-data
QUOTE
In the lead up to the long 4th of July weekend, we are planning two sols today and three sols tomorrow. We only had a couple of Navcam images on the ground this morning to help us choose targets, but we still managed to find two targets for ChemCam to analyze on Sol 1387: a rock named “Noordoewer” and a soil named “Savates”. Mastcam will document those targets and take a nice mosaic of the “Murray Buttes”. After that, we have a short drive, followed by post drive imaging. I dialed in to planning this morning and requested some Navcam of Mt. Sharp along with the post drive imaging to help target more long distance ChemCam RMI images. On Sol 1388, we have an easy day: ChemCam has a calibration observation and Navcam has a couple of atmospheric monitoring observations.


Posted by: jvandriel Jul 1 2016, 09:59 AM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1385.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 1 2016, 11:21 AM

Sol 1387: Midnight Planets reports the drive as approximately 12.2m S (-174º)
Roughly stitched L-NavCam look ahead (MS ICE)


Posted by: jvandriel Jul 1 2016, 07:35 PM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1387.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 1 2016, 08:36 PM

Nice! Here it is in circular form.

Phil


Posted by: Sean Jul 2 2016, 12:12 AM

Took Curiosity on a joyride to Murray Buttes...
https://flic.kr/p/HLpcmn

...I lost the corner on the south turn coming off Naukluft but picked the notional route back up after fearlessly hurtling off Baynes Mountain.


Posted by: Floyd Jul 2 2016, 01:02 AM

Nice. Much better than driving at a few meters/hr. Like to see the mars-scape fly by.

Any chance you make this rover a drone and fly over our future route all the way up Mt Sharp? cool.gif

Posted by: Sean Jul 2 2016, 01:34 AM

I'm filling up hard drives with HiRISE data and currently deciding what I can achieve within my limited timeframe.

The Mars Trek site has a fantastic hires 3D model of Gale Crater to explore...

http://marstrek.jpl.nasa.gov/

Click on the 3D button and activate the Curiosity bookmark.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 2 2016, 12:02 PM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson: Dated 1st July 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1389-1391-holiday-weekend-good-luck-juno-

QUOTE
Today we put together a three sol plan to take us through the holiday weekend. On Sol 1389 we do contact science with APXS and MAHLI on the target “Outjo”. SAM also will begin an analysis of some of the “Mojave2” sample that was collected a while ago.
Sol 1390 starts off with a long science block. This was originally split into two blocks, but during planning we decided it would save some time to combine them. Mastcam starts the block off with a multispectral observation of the brushed target “Outjo”. Then ChemCam has a long distance RMI observation of Mt. Sharp, plus analyses of the targets “Outjo” and “Luanda”. After ChemCam, Mastcam turns back on, and has mosaics of “Bukalo” and “Bailundo” (blocky deposits), “Keetmanshoop” (an outcrop of Murray formation), and “Quimavongo” (a small crater). SAM will also continue its sample analysis.
On Sol 1391 we will drive for about 60 meters and then collect post-drive imaging. And then in the early morning on Sol 1392, Navcam and Mastcam have a series of atmospheric observations.
While Curiosity is busy with all of that, and we are all celebrating the 4th of July, the Juno spacecraft will be arriving at Jupiter this weekend! Juno has been flying toward Jupiter for five years, so it’s exciting that it will finally be reaching its destination! Good luck Juno!



Posted by: charborob Jul 2 2016, 03:55 PM

Sol 1387 Rmastcam:
https://flic.kr/p/HMsQ63

Posted by: neo56 Jul 2 2016, 04:01 PM

Here is my take on the great MC100 panorama of sol 1387:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105035663@N07/28004757096/sizes/k/

A "postcard" version with the base of Mount Sharp in the background and the sky extended on Gimp:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105035663@N07/27426767573/sizes/k/

Another "postcard" centered on Murray Buttes:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105035663@N07/27964818591/sizes/k/

Posted by: tildhe Jul 3 2016, 12:17 PM

Hi everyone, this is my first post here and my first attempt at creating a panoramic view from Curiosity's raw images, I hope you enjoy my version of Murray Buttes panorama smile.gif

https://flic.kr/p/JKeSLV

Posted by: Gerald Jul 3 2016, 12:41 PM

I'd say, this has been a successful first attempt. smile.gif

Posted by: Sean Jul 3 2016, 01:05 PM

Welcome Giulia!

What an excellent introduction to the forum. My only comment is that the sharpening is a little too aggressive for my eyes, although this is only apparent when viewed at 100%.

Its an awesome first attempt though and I can't wait to see the next one!

Posted by: vikingmars Jul 3 2016, 01:41 PM

QUOTE (tildhe @ Jul 3 2016, 02:17 PM) *
Hi everyone, this is my first post here and my first attempt at creating a panoramic view from Curiosity's raw images, I hope you enjoy my version of Murray Buttes panorama smile.gif


Thanks a lot Tildhe.
How nice !

Posted by: charborob Jul 3 2016, 02:59 PM

Three new images have come down to complete the sol 1387 Rmastcam panorama:
https://flic.kr/p/HPiaCY

Posted by: Floyd Jul 3 2016, 03:03 PM

The atmosphere seems vary hazy--it is really difficult to pick out the crater rim--especially to the south.

Posted by: tildhe Jul 3 2016, 11:25 PM

Thank you Gerald, Sean (you’re right about the sharpening, my mistake was that I worked on a 26%-30% view) and vikingmars! It’s very kind of you. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot here smile.gif

Posted by: nprev Jul 3 2016, 11:35 PM

Beautiful work, tildhe, and welcome! smile.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 4 2016, 12:55 AM

QUOTE (tildhe @ Jul 3 2016, 08:17 PM) *
Hi everyone, this is my first post here and my first attempt at creating a panoramic view from Curiosity's raw images, I hope you enjoy my version of Murray Buttes panorama smile.gif

Welcome Giulia, I also look forward to seeing more of your images here on UMSF smile.gif

Posted by: Sean Jul 4 2016, 07:49 PM

Naukluft Descend
https://flic.kr/p/HRJpLV

This is a summary of Curiosity's approximate route coming down off Naukluft Plateau using HiRISE data mapped to a mosaic from Sol 1367 to enable a 3D model of Curi to be 'driven' across the scene.


Posted by: nprev Jul 4 2016, 08:31 PM

WOW, Sean. blink.gif


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 4 2016, 10:12 PM

Wow indeed! Amazing.

Phil

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 5 2016, 04:10 AM

QUOTE (Sean @ Jul 5 2016, 03:49 AM) *
Naukluft Descend

Impressive Sean... This totally makes up for the 3 days without new rover images smile.gif
I'm not complaining as the DSN was a little occupied with another fantastic mission which has just finished its orbit insertion burn smile.gif

Posted by: Sean Jul 5 2016, 10:45 AM

Thanks! I am resisting the urge of doing donuts on the dunes.

Lots to improve on this technique, not least the rendering and composition.

*Update*

https://flic.kr/p/JPDVy6


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 6 2016, 09:25 AM

I like where your animations are going Sean smile.gif Great work...

Not sure what is holding up the latest images from Curi, the pre-holiday plan included a number of activities, including a drive yestersol and we have not had any new images since those released on July 02. I understand the DSN was busy with Juno in recent days but we have had images from Oppy in that time frame. Let's hope it's something simple and the situation returns to normal soon smile.gif

Posted by: Wade Jul 6 2016, 06:37 PM

JPL is reporting a safe mode stand down for Curiosity. Recovery is ongoing.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6559

and now USGS
http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/curiosity-update-safe-mode

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 6 2016, 09:01 PM

MSL (and all other Mars missions) extended again - Yay! Last time there was a very useful proposal document. Is the new one available anywhere?

Phil

Posted by: Gerald Jul 7 2016, 11:41 AM

I posed the exactly same question to myself, and after some pondering I remembered, that the http://mars.nasa.gov/files/msl/2014-MSL-extended-mission-plan.pdf contains sufficient material for another mission extension.

Posted by: scalbers Jul 7 2016, 05:42 PM

Interesting proposal report. It appears that after passing the Kalahari Dune we would be entering the Paintbrush Unit.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 8 2016, 07:52 AM

Good to see DSN chatting to MSL smile.gif


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 10 2016, 08:28 AM

1 of 4 HazCam's frames acquired on sol 1388, July 2nd (the day of the glitch) that were released by JPL earlier today. I doubt that they have been hanging onto these since the 2nd, so it appears to be a sign that the diagnostics are making good progress and they are once again able to transmit images from the rover... Looking forward to more news as the week progresses smile.gif


EDIT: In addition, DSN Dish #45 is uplinking data to MSL as I update this post smile.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 12 2016, 12:02 AM

Good News smile.gif Curiosity Mars Rover Resumes Full Operations

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover is resuming full operations today, following work by engineers to investigate why the rover put itself into a safe standby mode on July 2. The rover team brought Curiosity out of safe mode on July 9.

The most likely cause of entry into safe mode has been determined to be a software mismatch in one mode of how image data are transferred on board. Science activity planning for the rover is avoiding use of that mode, which involves writing images from some cameras’ memories into files on the rover’s main computer. Alternate means are available for handling and transmitting all image data. http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6559:

Posted by: B Bernatchez Jul 12 2016, 04:04 PM

Wonder if this is the first time they tried that type of transfer?

Posted by: mcaplinger Jul 12 2016, 04:31 PM

QUOTE (B Bernatchez @ Jul 12 2016, 08:04 AM) *
Wonder if this is the first time they tried that type of transfer?

No.

They don't let me go into details but let's say that I am not having to do any software work this week on MSL. smile.gif

Posted by: Sean Jul 12 2016, 09:27 PM

Good to see Curi back in action...

Navcam left
https://flic.kr/p/J8RwWs

Navcam right
https://flic.kr/p/JXk2Ax

Navcam stereo
https://flic.kr/p/JV5Qp5

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 12 2016, 09:28 PM

Good to see Curiosity Back in action with a drive on sol 1398. Very rough-n-ready MS ICE stitch of 17 L-NavCams. Small preview attached and a link to the full size version on http://i.imgur.com/B4KOOcd.jpg smile.gif


EDIT: Looks like Sean beat me by a 'short head' smile.gif Nice work Sean smile.gif

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 13 2016, 01:19 AM

Just back from Tofino in time to make a circular version of one of Sean's panoramas from sol 1398! It's a tuff life being on sabbatical.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 13 2016, 02:46 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/people/lauren-edgar - Dated 12th July 2016, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1399-on-the-road-again

QUOTE
We’re back in our familiar drive pattern, with a short science block followed by a drive. In today’s pre-drive science block, ChemCam and Mastcam will be used to study the target “Arandis” to document the chemistry of the local bedrock. Then we’ll acquire several Mastcam mosaics to study some blocky deposits and document laminations in the Murray formation. A drive of ~45 m is planned, followed by post-drive imaging for targeting. Curiosity will wake up early the next morning for some environmental monitoring and searching for dust devils. We were pretty tight on data volume today so we had to trim down the plan a little bit, but that’s why we prioritize our activities so carefully.


Posted by: jvandriel Jul 13 2016, 11:28 AM

My view of the Sol 1398 NL B panorama.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: xflare Jul 13 2016, 07:46 PM

A far more benign looking driving environment of late, and looking very much like Meridiani Planum in places

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=RRB_521681997EDR_F0551864RHAZ00323M_&s=1399.43668304646

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 14 2016, 02:19 AM

QUOTE (xflare @ Jul 14 2016, 03:46 AM) *
A far more benign looking driving environment of late, and looking very much like Meridiani Planum in places

Agreed, except for the delay caused by the recent software glitch Curi has made some great progress across this terrain since descending from the Plateau smile.gif
Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar, Dated 13th July 2016, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1400-approaching-the-bimbe-blocky-deposit
QUOTE
On Sol 1399, Curiosity drove ~32 m closer to a blocky deposit known as “Bimbe.” We’ve identified several notable blocky deposits in orbital images, and this will be our last chance to fully investigate one of these deposits on the ground to try to determine their origin. Today’s plan starts with some Mastcam mosaics to characterize laminations in the Murray bedrock, and to document the “Bimbe” region. We’ll also study “Bimbe” with ChemCam at a target named “Auchab.” Additionally, the morning science block includes some systematic atmospheric monitoring with Mastcam. Today’s drive will hopefully put us about ~20 m closer to the “Bimbe” deposit, and will be followed by post-drive imaging for targeting. The plan also includes an autonomously-selected ChemCam target. We’re in late slide sols this week, so it’s been nice getting to start a few hours later in the day… though I’m sure our team members in other parts of the world are ready for sleep!


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 14 2016, 10:38 PM

Midnight Planets reports the Sol 1400 drive as ~10.3m SW (-146º). As predicted in the USGS plan, the end-of-drive images are not all down yet, but we have enough to assemble this simple look ahead.


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 14 2016, 11:47 PM

This is the sol 1400 reprojected Hazcam image pair I used to locate us on the route map.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 15 2016, 03:16 AM

QUOTE (Phil Stooke @ Jul 15 2016, 07:47 AM) *
This is the sol 1400 reprojected Hazcam image pair I used to locate us on the route map.

Quick and dirty L-NavCam sol 1400 (MS ICE) Preview and link, may help to confirm Phil's estimate until a better stitch can be posted

Full size Pano: http://i.imgur.com/5C3uxAU.jpg

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 15 2016, 11:07 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar - Dated 14th July 2016 - http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1401-analysis-of-blocky-deposits

QUOTE
The drive on Sol 1400 went well, and Curiosity drove ~13 m along the edge of the blocky deposit “Bimbe.” Today’s plan involves a number of ChemCam and Mastcam observations to assess the composition and textural properties of three large blocks in the deposit. We’ll also acquire a Mastcam mosaic to document the eastern edge of the deposit, and a Navcam observation to search for dust devils. Then Curiosity will continue driving to the southwest, followed by standard post-drive imaging. I’ll be on duty as GSTL tomorrow so I’m looking forward to the weekend plan!


Posted by: Sean Jul 15 2016, 12:35 PM

Sol 1399 ML
https://flic.kr/p/K9MTSa

Posted by: Sean Jul 15 2016, 07:10 PM

Sol 1400 ML
https://flic.kr/p/Kaju1v


Posted by: Sean Jul 15 2016, 07:36 PM

Sol 1400 MR
https://flic.kr/p/K7myZJ

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 15 2016, 07:39 PM

Very nice, Sean. Here is the sol 1401 post-drive Hazcam reprojection. This time we can see tracks so my map's route should be pretty good.

Phil


Posted by: algorithm Jul 15 2016, 08:57 PM

I would love to see the other face of this bad boy in the foreground!



Posted by: Sean Jul 16 2016, 12:15 AM

Here you go Algorithm...

https://skfb.ly/QHOY

seems a bit hollow to me...

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 16 2016, 03:09 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar, dated 15th July 2016 - http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1402-1404-a-juicy-weekend-plan

QUOTE
It was a slow morning as we anxiously awaited our downlink at 11am this morning… and then we put together a hefty weekend plan. We’re in late slide sols this week, so planning has been starting later to wait for critical images to come down. I’m on duty as GSTL today, and we knew it would be a big plan going in to the weekend. Once we confirmed that the ~26 m drive went well on Sol 1401, our first task was to evaluate the local bedrock and select a target for contact science. We selected a target named “Uku” for ChemCam, Mastcam, MAHLI and APXS activities to assess the texture and composition of the Murray formation. We also planned a ChemCam observation on the target “Songo,” a disturbed block which looks more red than some of the surrounding rocks. The plan also includes some Mastcam mosaics of the “Bimbe” blocky deposit to see if we want to pursue some additional observations there next week. Then we had to see if these activities would fit with an already full weekend plan. On the first and third sols we’re planning to do some environmental monitoring observations coordinated with observations from the MAVEN spacecraft. This will give us a great dataset from the ground looking up, and from orbit looking down. As if the plan wasn’t busy enough, we’re also planning some MAHLI imaging of the CheMin inlet, and a SAM geochronology experiment. Not surprisingly, this is a very power-hungry plan, so we had to trim down some activities during the SOWG meeting. But we managed to get almost everything into the plan, and have set ourselves up for the possibility of more contact science on Monday. Should be a fun weekend in Gale crater!


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 18 2016, 11:50 AM

48 hours since the last set of Curi images were released. Hopefully just an issue with the image server that will be resolved when JPL return to work after the weekend break smile.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 20 2016, 02:17 AM

The MSL image server has finally been updated, and shows us Curi had a busy weekend. Here is reduced version of a roughly stitched 360 from sol. 1401 (MS ICE) link to full size provided below. I shows the wheel tracks described in Phil's recent HazCam projection post.


Link to http://i.imgur.com/OifJrFs.jpg

Posted by: jvandriel Jul 20 2016, 09:16 AM

The Navcam L Panoramic view on Sol 1401.

Jan van Driel




Posted by: jvandriel Jul 20 2016, 09:39 AM

and another Navcam L view on Sol 1401.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 20 2016, 09:41 AM

Rough and ready 360 L-NavCam from 1405. Hopefully this may help the fix the location until others can work their magic, as I struggled with the varying exposures and long shadows caused by the later than usual drive (nearly 4pm local)

MP reported the drive as: Approximately 27.2m W (-96º) on Sol 1405


Link to full size: http://i.imgur.com/JCzMnJ7.jpg

Posted by: charborob Jul 20 2016, 10:36 AM

Sol 1402 Lmastcam:
https://flic.kr/p/K9VAuA

Sol 1402 Rmastcam:
https://flic.kr/p/JnH6iq

Posted by: Sean Jul 20 2016, 11:40 AM

Nice work Robert!

Here is 1401 ML in a funky Stereographic Down projection...
https://flic.kr/p/Kgic4w

Posted by: Sean Jul 20 2016, 01:08 PM

Loving the long shadow but not the exposure range!

Sol 1405 NL
https://flic.kr/p/Ka7ryh

Looking forward to Jan's version of this.

Posted by: Sean Jul 20 2016, 01:39 PM

Sol 1405 NL
https://flic.kr/p/Kjpz8a

Sol 1405 NR
https://flic.kr/p/JnVE4S

Sol 1405 NS OU
https://flic.kr/p/KjpyQr

Sol 1405 NS SBS
https://flic.kr/p/JnXj96

Sol 1405 NS 360
https://flic.kr/p/KgwUyj

The last three images can be viewed in 3D in Virtual Desktop application for HMD, the last image in full surround 3D.


Posted by: Sean Jul 20 2016, 02:26 PM

Sol 1401 NL
https://flic.kr/p/KgAE51

Sol 1401 NR
https://flic.kr/p/KcwpHT

Sol 1401 NS OU
https://flic.kr/p/KgADEy

Sol 1401 NS SBS
https://flic.kr/p/Kcwpat



Posted by: jvandriel Jul 20 2016, 03:18 PM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1405.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 20 2016, 09:26 PM

Lots of great images! I used Jan's panorama, just above, for a circular view.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 21 2016, 07:19 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson, Dated 20th July 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1405-1408-bimbe-conglomerates

QUOTE
After a busy weekend plan, we are back to “restricted” sols this week, planning two days at a time. Monday’s planning for sols 1405-1406 started off with a discussion of whether we wanted to do some brief contact science before driving, or just drive straight for the block deposit called “Bimbe”.
In the end, we decided to keep the contact science in the plan, so sol 1405 included some MAHLI imaging of the target “Guri”. Mastcam had a multispectral observation of Guri as well as “Galo” to look for evidence of hematite. Mastcam also had an observation of an outcrop of possible conglomerate rock. ChemCam had measurements of the bedrock targets “Cela” and “Dala”.
After that we drove toward Bimbe. On sol 1406, we had a Navcam atmospheric observation and a ChemCam AEGIS target. I also advocated for a long-distance RMI mosaic on sol 1406 to make up for the one that was lost when the rover went into safe mode, but the orientation of the rover after the drive made it difficult so it ended up being pulled. (It would have caused ChemCam to slew past the path of the sun in the sky while focused, and we like to avoid any risk of pointing the telescope at the sun). So I’ll have to advocate for that observation some other time.
The sol 1406 drive went perfectly, so this morning we found ourselves in an awesome place to study the blocks and conglomerates at “Bimbe”. Sol 1407 starts with ChemCam observations of the targets “Lucala”, “Cabamba”, and “Bungo”, followed by a Mastcam stereo mosaic of the Bimbe rocks. MAHLI then has several observations of the workspace and a closer look at the target “Sonneblom”, and APXS has an overnight observation of Sonneblom.
On Sol 1408, we have a morning block of atmospheric observations from NavCam and Mastcam, followed by a Mastcam multispectral observation of the target “Tumba” and stereo mosaics of the southern part of Bimbe as well as some rocks in an area called “Balombo”. ChemCam will also observe Sonneblom and Balombo.


Posted by: Sean Jul 21 2016, 10:48 AM

Sol 1405 ML

https://flic.kr/p/Ki8LMb



Posted by: Floyd Jul 21 2016, 11:44 AM

Nice conglomerates. Pebble size clasts. For those with better eyes and more knowledge--does this look similar to the conglomerates at Hottah?

Posted by: Sean Jul 21 2016, 12:22 PM

QUOTE (Sean @ Jul 21 2016, 11:48 AM) *
Sol 1405 ML

https://flic.kr/p/Ki8LMb


edit: 'Moe, Larry & Curly'

oops I meant to add this to my previous post and now I can't delete this one, sorry.

Posted by: vikingmars Jul 21 2016, 09:43 PM

My try on Sol 1405 shadows... Enjoy ! smile.gif


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 23 2016, 02:36 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson, Dated 22nd July 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1409-1411-finishing-up-at-bimbe

QUOTE
For the weekend plan, we have a bunch more observations of the interesting blocky deposit “Bimbe”. Sol 1409 starts off with a couple of Mastcam images: one of the target “Seeis” and another of the AEGIS target from Sol 1406. Mastcam also has a mosaic to provide more context for the Bimbe blocks. After that, ChemCam has observations of the targets “Seeheim”, “Wilhelmstal”, “Oranjemund”, and “Seeis”. MAHLI then will observe several Bimbe targets, and APXS will analyze two targets: “Funda” and “Zambezi”.

On Sol 1410, ChemCam has an observation of the target “Mariental” with support from Mastcam. After that, we drive and do the usual post-drive imaging. On Sol 1411, Mastcam has an observation of the rover deck to watch for dust and sand that end up on top of the rover. Originally the plan also had the RMI mosaic that I’ve been trying to acquire as well, but it had to be pulled from the plan yet again to save on data volume. I am starting to think this observation is cursed! I’ll have to try again next week.


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 23 2016, 08:09 AM

Sol 1407 MAHLI mosaic (MS ICE cropped / enhanced) A conglomerate (possibly 'Sonneblom' mentioned in the 1407 USGS plan)
Estimated width 23 cm.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27870257573/sizes/l

Flickr 1024 http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27870257573/sizes/l
Flickr (full size 1779x1367) https://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27870257573/sizes/o/

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 23 2016, 11:07 AM

Looking forward to the focus stacked version of this set smile.gif


Posted by: nogal Jul 23 2016, 01:49 PM

I've been away for a while ... and coming back there are so many excelleny posts! Congrats and thanks to all the authors.

I am intrigued by the location of the http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/curiosity-update-safe-mode. Here is the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01387/mcam/1387MR0068150080701911E01_DXXX.jpg to the image. So, I tried to locate it using neo56's panorama from post http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?showtopic=8197&view=findpost&p=231452. I think the rock faraway to the southwest has a low probability. There are two candidates much closer. What do you think?
Fernando.


Posted by: Sean Jul 23 2016, 08:09 PM

I reckon the candidate circled on the left is the culprit as its located on the lower slope toward the edge.

Don't forget you can reference my HiRISE model to get your bearings!

https://skfb.ly/PCN8



QUOTE (nogal @ Jul 23 2016, 02:49 PM) *
I've been away for a while ... and coming back there are so many excelleny posts! Congrats and thanks to all the authors.

I am intrigued by the location of the http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/curiosity-update-safe-mode. Here is the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01387/mcam/1387MR0068150080701911E01_DXXX.jpg to the image. So, I tried to locate it using neo56's panorama from post http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?showtopic=8197&view=findpost&p=231452. I think the rock faraway to the southwest has a low probability. There are two candidates much closer. What do you think?
Fernando.



Posted by: centsworth_II Jul 23 2016, 08:13 PM

QUOTE (nogal @ Jul 23 2016, 09:49 AM) *
I am intrigued by the location of the http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/curiosity-update-safe-mode...

According tohttp://curiosityrover.com/ the bearing is 214.45° (SW) if that helps.
(Mastcam Right, sol 1387)

Posted by: nogal Jul 23 2016, 09:34 PM

Hi centsworth_II and Seán, thanks for the information.
I had looked in Joe's site, hopping to use the "map it" function which would have given me a "corridor" to locate the rock. Unfortunately an error is returned when I try to map that image. Hopefully, Curiosity's route will take her closer to the rock.
Seán, I had not used your model before: I am blown away. Absolutely priceless as well as the movies you've recently posted (for some reason my Firefox does not like them, I have to view them with another browser). Keep it up!
Fernando

Posted by: scalbers Jul 23 2016, 10:36 PM

I had good luck today figuring out the motion controls in Sean's web model so I can really get the desired viewpoint now.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 24 2016, 03:37 AM

Sol 1407 R-MastCam mosaic (20 images) of blocks in front of the rover at Bimbe
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/28398435392/sizes/m

Flickr 1024x746 (preview) http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/28398435392/sizes/l
Flickr 7687x5600 Full-Size http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/28398435392/sizes/o

Posted by: Sean Jul 24 2016, 11:14 AM

Yeah if you click on the Settings Cog icon you can change the navigation mode to First Person. This enables you to change the walking speed using the mouse wheel...0 or 1 seems to work best for this model. You can then walk around at a slow enough pace using the arrow keys ( or WSAD ) for locomotion and the mouse for pointing.

QUOTE (scalbers @ Jul 23 2016, 11:36 PM) *
I had good luck today figuring out the motion controls in Sean's web model so I can really get the desired viewpoint now.


Posted by: MrNatural Jul 25 2016, 02:13 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Jul 23 2016, 08:09 AM) *
Sol 1407 MAHLI mosaic (MS ICE cropped / enhanced) A conglomerate (possibly 'Sonneblom' mentioned in the 1407 USGS plan)
Estimated width 23 cm.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27870257573/sizes/l

Flickr 1024 http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27870257573/sizes/l
Flickr (full size 1779x1367) https://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27870257573/sizes/o/


Would someone care to comment on this conglomerate? To my untrained eye, it does not appear that the pebbles are very rounded suggesting that this did not form in a high-energy streambed as some of the conglomerates seen early in the mission appear to be.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 25 2016, 04:46 AM

QUOTE (MrNatural @ Jul 25 2016, 10:13 AM) *
Would someone care to comment on this conglomerate? To my untrained eye, it does not appear that the pebbles are very rounded suggesting that this did not form in a high-energy streambed as some of the conglomerates seen early in the mission appear to be.


A geologist who commented on this conglomerate suggested it could be from a debris flow...

There is a collection of close up MAHLI images of sol 1409 targets now http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/sol/01409.html, but the focus stacked version are not yet down.

Here is one of the angular clasts in close-up, I have added the scale bar based on Gerald's MAHLI ruler


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 25 2016, 05:46 AM

Midnight Planets reports that Curiosity moved approximately 58.7m SW (-143º) on Sol 1410
Here is a rough-n-ready stitch looking towards the SW, from the available NC's


Posted by: vikingmars Jul 25 2016, 08:18 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Jul 25 2016, 07:46 AM) *
Midnight Planets reports that Curiosity moved approximately 58.7m SW (-143º) on Sol 1410
Here is a rough-n-ready stitch looking towards the SW, from the available NC's

How Nice : a new "Saddle Rock" at center left smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif
(The 1st one was named on the Moon, on the rim of Cone crater at the Apollo 14 Fra Mauro landing site)

Posted by: centsworth_II Jul 25 2016, 10:55 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Jul 25 2016, 01:46 AM) *
Here is a rough-n-ready stitch looking towards the SW, from the available NC's

Isn't that the "balancing rock" right where the sky first appears on the left side of the panorama?

Posted by: nogal Jul 25 2016, 12:45 PM

I think you're right. When I first saw it in http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01387/mcam/1387MR0068150080701911E01_DXXX.jpg image I wondered whether it was on the slope of that butte or somewhere behind it. It increasingly looks like it is on the butte. If so we may get a good look at it since the JPL image for sol http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/imgs/2016/06/Curiosity_Location_Sol1384-full.jpg shows a notional route that passes quite close to it.
Fernando

Posted by: jvandriel Jul 25 2016, 01:23 PM

The Navcam L panoramic view on Sol 1410.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: Sean Jul 25 2016, 02:11 PM

Excellent job as usual Jan.

For what it's worth here are my efforts...

Sol 1410 NL
https://flic.kr/p/Jxsy63

Sol 1410 NS
https://flic.kr/p/Jxzagk

*This image viewable in Virtual Desktop for HMD




Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 25 2016, 05:47 PM

Thanks Jan and Sean. Here is Sean's panorama in circular form, which gives a very good location for the map.

Phil


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 26 2016, 01:26 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, dated 25th July 2016, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1412-1413-no-touch-just-go-

QUOTE
MSL is making good progress, driving almost 68 meters last weekend. We had the option of taking some MAHLI images on Sol 1412, but decided to maximize the drive distance instead. Before the drive, ChemCam and Mastcam will observe bedrock targets "Jamba" and "Huambo" and the Right Mastcam will acquire a 3-image mosaic of a small depression called "Mungo." After acquiring the post-drive imaging needed to plan future mobility, ChemCam will use AEGIS to autonomously select a new target for a LIBS raster. Early the next morning, Navcam will search for clouds and dust devils, and Mastcam will measure the dustiness of the atmosphere. The dust measurements will be repeated at noon and mid-afternoon to look for changes during the day. The Right Mastcam will also acquire a 14-image mosaic of the Murray Buttes early in the morning, and we finally were able to plan the long-distance RMI mosaic! The tactical team did a great job of planning today, so it has been a relatively easy day for me as SOWG Chair.


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 27 2016, 01:21 AM

A drive on sol 1412... playing with Hazcams makes me think we moved about 45 m SW, but I am very uncertain about the position.

Phil


Posted by: atomoid Jul 27 2016, 01:31 AM

really odd rocks we're looking at http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01411/1411MH0005840000503006R00_DXXX.html..


Posted by: Gerald Jul 27 2016, 05:16 AM

A weathered conglomerate / breccia with clasts more weathering-resistant than the matrix - with one nice exception: the yellowish-orangish soft clast, which looks itself like a soft, finely laminated cross-bedded sedimentary rock of fine sand or coarse silt.
So, we can learn something about the geology of the time when the conglomerate formed.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 27 2016, 08:43 AM

A 4 frame mosaic of the conglomerate / breccia so perfectly described by Gerald in the previous post that shows a little more detail than the fine anaglyph from Atomoid smile.gif
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27962889884/sizes/l
Links
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27962889884/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/27962889884/sizes/o Full-Size

Posted by: Floyd Jul 27 2016, 11:02 AM

It seems that some of the pebbles are freshly fractured while weathering. Can thermal cycling do that? I'm a microbiologist (a banned topic here) not a geologist so would appreciate comments on what we are seeing from some of the many experts....

Posted by: Gerald Jul 27 2016, 01:19 PM

Physical breakup due to thermal expansion and contraction is one of the standard physical/mechanical http://www.ocean.washington.edu/courses/oc230/Welcome_files/Weathering.pdf.

More interesting, may be, the http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=pia17768 in this clast:


http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01409/mhli/1409MH0006300010502919C00_DXXX.jpg.

Posted by: nogal Jul 27 2016, 01:32 PM

Using MS Paint, I quickly cobbled together some images from sol 1412, which helped me pinpoint the drive's end location. I trust our resident image wizards will provide "the real thing" blink.gif
Fernando


Posted by: Sean Jul 27 2016, 01:35 PM

Hey Fernando, Microsoft Image Composite Editor is pretty good at stitching. Also vignettes. Its free!

Posted by: nogal Jul 27 2016, 01:46 PM

Hi Seán, Thank you for the tip. I saw some contributions (e.g. Paul H) that make use of it. It is in my list of "things to learn". So little time, so much to do ...
Fernando

Posted by: Sean Jul 27 2016, 02:15 PM

It's really simple.

Add images. Choose projection. Compile. Crop.

Even I can use it! biggrin.gif


Posted by: James Sorenson Jul 27 2016, 03:19 PM

I tried it not to long ago, and wound up chucking it off my computers hard drive. But it's probably simpler to learn for others. wink.gif

Posted by: Sean Jul 27 2016, 03:26 PM

It's up to version 2 now but I understand that Paul prefers version 1 as it has more options.

Posted by: James Sorenson Jul 27 2016, 03:40 PM

Yeah Im just the person that prefers ultimate manual control over image positions and alignment, distortion and color/exposure corrections etc...

Posted by: nogal Jul 27 2016, 03:57 PM

Ok Seán, you made a good sale wink.gif . Thank you! I supose I was being too cautious, as I know next to nothing about image processing. It looks simple, but I'm sure I have a lot to learn. So here is my first attempt at ICE.
Fernando


Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 27 2016, 04:09 PM

"A drive on sol 1412... playing with Hazcams makes me think we moved about 45 m SW, but I am very uncertain about the position."

"Driving ~44.9m SSW..."


Darn - 10 cm out... I'm losing my touch.

Phil

Posted by: Floyd Jul 27 2016, 05:45 PM

Phil, You need to pick up your game--we expect mm accuracy here at UMSF. This is rocket science cool.gif

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 27 2016, 07:11 PM

My apologies - will try harder next time.

Phil

Posted by: jccwrt Jul 27 2016, 08:55 PM

Here's the big sol 1408 mosaic capturing the southern end of the Bimbe conglomerate outcrop. There's a staggering amount of different textures here, including some that we've seen before. I wonder if this is a small remnant of an alluvial fan, and how much of the Martian surface we could sample from just this one site. (I know, I know, context for these clasts is important, but it might help tying into orbital remote sensing studies.)

https://flic.kr/p/K8zHaU

Posted by: climber Jul 27 2016, 10:48 PM

QUOTE (Floyd @ Jul 27 2016, 07:45 PM) *
Phil, You need to pick up your game...

Is that Pookemon Go?

Posted by: atomoid Jul 27 2016, 11:09 PM

looking back with anaglyphs/parellel/crosseye of sol1408 conglomeration of interesting http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01408/1408MR0068980040702193E01_DXXX.html, puppeteer eyeball http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01408/1408MR0068980090702198E01_DXXX.html, coral reef http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01408/1408MR0068970130702151E01_DXXX.html...



Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 28 2016, 02:37 AM

And after that feast of great images:
Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, dated 27th July 2016, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1414-1416-keep-on-truckin-

QUOTE
MSL drove over 45 meters on Sol 1412, to a location with lots of bedrock exposed but most of it is coated by dust. So again we decided not to deploy the arm and acquire lots of ChemCam data instead. LIBS observations of targets named "Okahandja," "Swakopmund," and "Walvis Bay" will be followed by another long-distance RMI mosaic. Then the Right Mastcam will image the ChemCam targets and acquire a 5-image mosaic of the Murray Buttes. The Left Mastcam will take a 7-image mosaic of the bedrock in front of the rover before the Sol 1414 drive. After the drive, lots of images are planned to enable selection of contact science targets for Sol 1416 on Friday, and another ChemCam target will be autonomously selected and LIBS data acquired using AEGIS. On Sol 1415, Navcam will again search for clouds and Mastcam will measure the amount of dust in the atmosphere. I'm MAHLI/MARDI uplink lead today, and with only a MARDI post-drive twilight image in the plan, it's been an easy day so far. But of course it's exciting and fun to be involved in tactical operations!


Posted by: serpens Jul 28 2016, 04:49 AM

QUOTE (jccwrt @ Jul 27 2016, 08:55 PM) *
There's a staggering amount of different textures here, including some that we've seen before. I wonder if this is a small remnant of an alluvial fan, and how much of the Martian surface we could sample from just this one site.


Yeah, to coin a Squires' phrase this has been a dogs breakfast of conglomerates, breccia, fine and coarse sediments all jumbled up together, including that intriguing small yellow, cross bedded sedimentary fragment that is probably a rip up clast. It is difficult to see this lot as anything other than the remnant of a landslip that jumbled together bits and pieces from a vertical segment of the stratigraphic column.

Posted by: Sean Jul 28 2016, 03:54 PM

James, stop showing off... you GENIUS!

Fernando, welcome to the Image Processing Club for lazy sods.

Phil, very disappointed with this worrying trend. 10 CM!! Tsk tsk.

Posted by: jvandriel Jul 28 2016, 08:08 PM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1412.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: dburt Jul 28 2016, 10:44 PM

QUOTE (serpens @ Jul 27 2016, 09:49 PM) *
...conglomerates, breccia, fine and coarse sediments all jumbled up together, including that intriguing small yellow, cross bedded sedimentary fragment that is probably a rip up clast. It is difficult to see this lot as anything other than the remnant of a landslip that jumbled together bits and pieces from a vertical segment of the stratigraphic column.

Strictly speaking, we haven't seen any conglomerate at Bimbe. All of the clasts are angular and they are unsorted, as in a breccia. The weak yellow sedimentary fragment is one of several throughout the rock (e.g., in the boulder depicted by PaulH51 in post 204 above on 07/23). All of these "survivors" are small, presumably owing to their inherent weakness (tendency to break up during transport), but I wouldn't necessarily call them rip-up clasts, insmuch as their relationship to any underlying rock is unclear, as is their relation (if any) to water transport. I agree with you that a landslip or landslide (i.e., debris flow) is one possible mechanism of depositing such a rock (breccia), especially inside a steep-walled crater, and especially if the slope failure were triggered by the shock of an impact. An impact itself could also deposit breccias of various types (e.g., ejecta fragments and flows).
dburt

Posted by: dvandorn Jul 29 2016, 01:35 AM

Hmm... the clasts are surely unsorted, but there are some rounded clasts, especially amongst the smaller ones. I see a few rounded nodule-like things, too, that might be lapilli or even concretions.

I wonder what the matrix is composed of? Almost looks like soil or regolith breccia, but I doubt that would be strong enough to have held up for as long as it seems to have. Very fine-grained, though, almost sugary-looking, unless the ubiquitous dust covering is fooling me. With a large admixture of very small dark gray clasts, most of which are angular but a few of which are rounded.

I dunno -- the clasts don't look very shocked, it just doesn't feel like a breccia to me. It looks more like a surge flow of some kind picked up a lot of the small angular rocks in its way as it came though. A wet landslide or the outside edges of an impact surge, perhaps?

It looks mostly like poorly mixed concrete with too much aggregate in it, to be honest. Again, I think a good feel for what the matrix is composed of might give a better idea of how it formed...

-the other Doug

Posted by: dburt Jul 29 2016, 03:56 AM

QUOTE (dvandorn @ Jul 28 2016, 06:35 PM) *
Hmm... the clasts are surely unsorted, but there are some rounded clasts, especially amongst the smaller ones...
I dunno -- the clasts don't look very shocked, it just doesn't feel like a breccia to me. It looks more like a surge flow of some kind picked up a lot of the small angular rocks in its way as it came though. A wet landslide or the outside edges of an impact surge, perhaps?
It looks mostly like poorly mixed concrete with too much aggregate in it...

The difference between breccia and conglomerate lies in the angularity of the clasts, not the abundance of matrix. Some rounding of clasts merely indicates abrasion during movement. The smaller clasts possibly were weaker, and thus more subject to abrasion. I agree that the rock looks like some kind of wet flow, whether one caused by a landslide or an impact (or both, if the impact triggered a landslide) is hard to say. Shocking might best characterize fragments originally from beneath or close to the impact, not necessarily rocks thrown out sideways or incorporated in a flow. Wet landslide or surge deposits tend to be self-cementing (that is, they can create "instant rock"). This could explain the concrete-like appearance you noted, although I don't know if that's the correct explanation. Agree with Serpens that "dog's breakfast" might not be a bad summary of the rock at this point.
dburt

Posted by: serpens Jul 29 2016, 08:12 AM

QUOTE (dburt @ Jul 28 2016, 11:44 PM) *
Strictly speaking, we haven't seen any conglomerate at Bimbe. .....

Not sure about that. Ryan Anderson had no difficulty describing conglomerates at Bimbe although breccia is clearly present. Angular, sub angular, sub rounded and rounded clasts are evident and this mix combined with the lack of sorting would seem more indicative of a landslip encompassing different layers within the stratigraphic column rather than a surge deposit, although all things are are possible and only one thing is certain. We will never know for sure.

Posted by: jvandriel Jul 29 2016, 08:24 AM

One of the Panoramic navcam L views taken on Sol 1414.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: jvandriel Jul 29 2016, 09:06 AM

and the complete one until now.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: James Sorenson Jul 29 2016, 11:51 AM

My version. What a beautiful place! smile.gif

https://flic.kr/p/JFcWDS

https://flic.kr/p/JFcXys

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 29 2016, 06:55 PM

Jan's half pan in circular form. It gives a good position, with a little help from the hazcams.

Phil


Posted by: atomoid Jul 29 2016, 10:57 PM

ICE stitch of http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01413/CR0_522936947PRC_F0560774CCAM04412L1.html chemCams.. separating the http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01413/CR0_522936101PRC_F0560774CCAM04412L1.html that couldn't stitch http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01413/CR0_522936375PRC_F0560774CCAM04412L1.html


Posted by: atomoid Jul 29 2016, 11:00 PM

another one from http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01414/CR0_523016020PRC_F0560774CCAM04414L1.html


Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 30 2016, 08:23 AM

QUOTE (atomoid @ Jul 30 2016, 07:00 AM) *
another one from sol1414

I wonder if these are part of the long term search for RSL's on the slopes of Mt Sharp? smile.gif

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 30 2016, 08:25 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, dated 29th July 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1416-1417-approaching-the-next-drill-target

QUOTE
MSL drove another 44 meters on Sol 1414, into an area with larger blocks of bedrock. This looks like a good area to drill into the Murray Formation, so nearby targets were selected and we are planning a short drive to position the vehicle for drilling. But first, ChemCam and Mastcam will observe bedrock targets "Chibia" and "Dondo." Mastcam will also measure the dust in the atmosphere and take an image of the Sol 1414 ChemCam AEGIS target. Then the arm will be deployed for lots of contact science and standard images of the wheels. MAHLI will take pictures of Chibia before the DRT is used to brush it off, then take lots of stereo images of the brushed spot. MAHLI will also acquire a full suite of images of Dondo before the APXS measures its elemental chemistry. After sunset, the APXS will be placed on Chibia for an overnight integration. Early on Sol 1417, Navcam will search for clouds and dust devils, Mastcam will again measure atmospheric dust, and ChemCam will measure atmospheric chemistry. The bump to the potential drill targets will be followed by acquisition of imaging and other data needed to plan the drill campaign and other activities next week. Finally, AEGIS will be used for the first time to autonomously select two targets and acquire ChemCam data on both of them. This is a very full and complex plan, so I (as MAHLI/MARDI uplink lead) and the rest of the team were very busy today!


Posted by: climber Jul 30 2016, 11:26 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Jul 30 2016, 10:23 AM) *
I wonder if these are part of the long term search for RSL's on the slopes of Mt Sharp? smile.gif

There is an article on last issue of Aviation Week where they show a map with two specific locations saying the Rover Will Target those locations. They are even notated as "possible surface-water sites" on the map. Follows a discussion on how closely they'll take measurements regarding Planetary protection. I Can't post the article here but it's on pages 53&54 of the July 18-31, 2016 issue.
So yes Paul, I was thinking the same as you.

Posted by: TheAnt Jul 30 2016, 03:00 PM

QUOTE (James Sorenson @ Jul 29 2016, 01:51 PM) *
My version. What a beautiful place! smile.gif


It really is, and right there with that view it look quite familiar to me since I seen some terrestrial counterparts.

Yet when water and ice and made such landforms on those locations, I think wind sandblasting with small particles is the process on Mars.

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 30 2016, 04:48 PM

Climber: "There is an article on last issue of Aviation Week...."

http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=garth169&logNo=220746003421&categoryNo=0&parentCategoryNo=39&viewDate=&currentPage=1&postListTopCurrentPage=1&from=postView is presumably the source AW&ST used. Or it is written from the article (?)

Phil

Posted by: serpens Jul 30 2016, 11:49 PM

There have been a number of articles on this matter on the JPL site of late which may have triggered journalistic interest. For example http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6542

It would be satisfying to get a close look at some of the Mount Sharp dark streaks if they are indeed recurring slope lineae. This could at least provide some indication as to whether the recent spectral evidence for hydrated salts in (RSL) on Mars was a function of brine flow or whether mass wasting revealed previously protected hydrated salts similar to the case with Spirit at Tyrone, where buried hydrated salts were revealed which subsequently dehydrated. However at the current time the imaging is to determine whether any of the dark streaks are in fact recurring rather than the remnant of past, dry mass wasting.

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 31 2016, 05:35 AM

A set of MAHLI images of the organic check material (OCM) cans on the front of the rover were obtained during Sol 1416. http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?s=1416&camera=MAHLI

When I first reviewed them, I initially thought the camera had captured a dust devil as it passed over the rover. However, the focus motor count tells us that its protective dust cover was closed at the time the images were acquired smile.gif

Done to protect the lens from dust from the rover's deck that could be liberated by the prevailing winds?


Posted by: climber Jul 31 2016, 09:47 AM

QUOTE (Phil Stooke @ Jul 30 2016, 06:48 PM) *
Climber: "There is an article on last issue of Aviation Week...."

http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=garth169&logNo=220746003421&categoryNo=0&parentCategoryNo=39&viewDate=&currentPage=1&postListTopCurrentPage=1&from=postView is presumably the source AW&ST used. Or it is written from the article (?)

Phil

Yes Phil, very similar. Good news is, the 2 locations are shown on your link.
Thanks

Posted by: PaulH51 Jul 31 2016, 09:53 AM

QUOTE (climber @ Jul 31 2016, 05:47 PM) *
Yes Phil, very similar. Good news is, the 2 locations are shown on your link.
Thanks

Nice link guys smile.gif Can anyone project those 2 locations onto some recent MastCam images of the mountain, so we can see if the telescopic RMI surveys match? smile.gif

Posted by: TheAnt Jul 31 2016, 10:21 AM

And right at this time researchers at John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory publish a nice paper in http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016GL068956/full where they conclude that many/most gullies spotted on Mars have not been formed by water but liquid carbon dioxide.
Those hydrated salts are of course for real, I think the reasoning is that the liquid CO2 flush those salts out instead.

Now this rover is closer to the equator so perhaps it will not be the case. Exploring flows of liquid CO2, though those would be extremely short in duration, would still be something new. A small slide of dust might be a more likely explanation.
If not, and its actually water, PP should apply and I would be very disappointed if MSL is sent even near the site.

Astronomy mag online edition got a webpage on the subject also http://www.astronomy.com/news/2016/07/the-scratches-on-mars-surface-were-not-made-by-waters-harsh-touch

Posted by: jvandriel Jul 31 2016, 01:19 PM

The last image is down and here is the complete Sol 1414 NL B Panoramic view.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: Gerald Jul 31 2016, 02:48 PM

QUOTE (TheAnt @ Jul 31 2016, 12:21 PM) *
...Exploring flows of liquid CO2...

CO2 isn't even liquid at 1 bar atmospheric pressure on Earth. If I remember the experiment right, it was about sublimating CO2, which would allow either a solid block of sublimating CO2 or dust to hover downhill.
But where should a block of frozen CO2 come from? Shouldn't it leave sinkholes?

Posted by: climber Jul 31 2016, 05:44 PM

QUOTE (TheAnt @ Jul 31 2016, 12:21 PM) *
And right at this time researchers at John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory publish a nice paper in http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016GL068956/full where they conclude that many/most gullies spotted on Mars have not been formed by water

I guess Tanya Harrison Will not concur and she submited a thesis for her PHD last week on Mars Gullies.

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 31 2016, 06:46 PM

... which I will be examining!

Phil

Posted by: climber Jul 31 2016, 07:46 PM

QUOTE (Phil Stooke @ Jul 31 2016, 08:46 PM) *
... which I will be examining!

Phil

Excellent! Go Canada!

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 1 2016, 02:49 AM

A close look at Chibia after the DRT. I used a raw sol 1417 focus stacked MAHLI. No additional processing (except to add the scale bar)
Some surface marks likely created by the DRT, but many other interesting surface features, as well a the reddish hues of the bedrock, not our typical grey smile.gif


Raw image: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01417/mhli/1417MH0001630000503112R00_DXXX.jpg

Posted by: serpens Aug 1 2016, 03:20 AM

QUOTE (Gerald @ Jul 31 2016, 02:48 PM) *
......But where should a block of frozen CO2 come from? Shouldn't it leave sinkholes?


The hypothesis addresses ephemeral frost in the mid latitudes rather than chunks of dry ice. http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/marspolar2016/pdf/6004.pdf .

Once frost begins to form the regolith surface temperature should stabilise and the rate of frost deposition will be constant resulting in a very thin layer of dry ice. The concept seems to be that the recurrent frost ensures that surface particles remain loose and that the particle disruption caused by rapid sublimation at sunrise can initiate a dust slide on steep slopes. Just another possibility and all suggestions on the nature of RSL are of necessity hypotheses.

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 1 2016, 10:06 AM

Sol 1417 MP reports the bump as ~5.1m ESE... The view towards the Murray Buttes does not disappoint smile.gif



Posted by: Gerald Aug 1 2016, 10:09 AM

Thanks, Serpens! This sounds more reasonable. I first had a scenario in mind like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXBfz1iVzc.
But an avalanche made of a mix of dust and CO2 surface frost sounds like a plausible scenario.

Posted by: Gerald Aug 1 2016, 10:48 AM

QUOTE (PaulH51 @ Aug 1 2016, 04:49 AM) *
... a the reddish hues of the bedrock ...

A first taste of Hematite Ridge(?!). Certainly an exciting target, well-worth to be drilled and analysed.
It would be interesting to learn, whether here's the iron, which is missing in the silicon-rich rock we've seen before.

Those brighter mineralic-looking inclusions/veins/concretions seem to be a little harder than the surrounding soft (inferred from the scratches) rock.
Do we see carbonates (like calcite) for the first time, or is this still a sulfate?

Posted by: jvandriel Aug 1 2016, 08:35 PM

The Navcam L view on Sol 1417.

Jan van Driel


Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 2 2016, 01:28 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ryan Anderson, dated 1st August 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1418-preparing-to-drill-marimba

QUOTE
Today’s plan was all about setting up for our next drill hole. Originally there was going to be no science block at all, but we ended up with a little bit more power than expected, so we managed to fit in a ChemCam observation of the expected drill target, called “Marimba” along with Mastcam documentation. Once that was done, the rover dumped its sieved sample from our previous drill at “Oudam” and did some contact science on Marimba. This included MAHLI and APXS of the drill location before and after brushing the dust off, Mastcam inspection of various rover components, and the “pre-load” test where we make sure the rock can handle the pressure exerted by the drill. If all of that goes well, we should be able to drill later this week!



Posted by: Phil Stooke Aug 2 2016, 06:09 AM

Two of Jan's panoramas in circular format, before and after the latest small move.

Phil

sol 1414:



sol 1417:

Posted by: neo56 Aug 2 2016, 06:51 PM

Panorama taken with NavCam Right on sol 1417, 12h30 local time, with a sky extended:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105035663@N07/28620843312/sizes/o

Posted by: Gerald Aug 2 2016, 07:53 PM

Great pano!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/105035663@N07/28620843312/sizes/o/ works for me. (capital N after @, and no /j at the end)

Posted by: atomoid Aug 2 2016, 11:48 PM

very nice pano of a lovely view ..and thanks for the link fix! i so wanted to cross that with the Left set but ICE doesn't handle such contrast adjustments well, requiring endless manual fiddling, so opted for the ICE-ready http://www.midnightplanets.com/web/MSL/image/01417/NLB_523288451EDR_S0561236NCAM00272M_.html instead (and it shows) but heres fwiw..


Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 3 2016, 02:33 AM

Sol 1418 MAHLI of Marimba. No colour processing, cropped with scale bar added, based on the camera focus motor count, using Gerald's MAHLI Ruler.


Raw image: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01418/mhli/1418MH0001520010503141C00_DXXX.jpg

EDIT Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, Dated 02 August 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1419-cleaning-chimra
QUOTE
The drilling campaign on http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01418/mhli/1418MH0004650010503171C00_DXXX.jpg continues, dominating the Sol 1419 plan. Again, the tactical operations team was able to squeeze some additional science activities into the plan: ChemCam and Mastcam will observe a laminated bedrock exposure called "Namibe," and the Right Mastcam will image the two targets autonomously observed by ChemCam on Sol 1417. Then the arm work resumes, with a brief interruption for a Mastcam stereo mosaic of Murray Buttes in the afternoon. After CHIMRA is cleaned and inspected by the cameras, MAHLI will image the last of the previous drill sample and APXS placed on the dump pile for an overnight integration. I'll be MAHLI/MARDI uplink lead tomorrow, so I dialed in to tactical operations meetings today to keep up to date.

Posted by: Gerald Aug 3 2016, 10:58 AM

Looking at this new image, or rotating the previous one by 90°, reveals, that the brighter features seem to be mostly scratches, besides might be some veins. Interesting then, whether some of the hematite weathered to, or is accompanied by hydrated iron minerals like goethite.

Posted by: neo56 Aug 3 2016, 11:45 AM

QUOTE (Gerald @ Aug 2 2016, 08:53 PM) *
Great pano!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/105035663@N07/28620843312/sizes/o/ works for me. (capital N after @, and no /j at the end)


Thanks for the correction Gerald! I corrected the link on my post.

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 3 2016, 12:08 PM

Just a quick heads up... Midnight Planets (MSL) needs a little TLC as it's out of step with JPL, hopefully normal service will resume ASAP smile.gif

Posted by: Blue Sky Aug 3 2016, 12:28 PM

QUOTE (neo56 @ Aug 2 2016, 02:51 PM) *
Panorama taken with NavCam Right on sol 1417, 12h30 local time, with a sky extended:


Is there any way to calculate the distance and height of those mesas? It seems to me they are not much taller than the height of the camera.

Posted by: neo56 Aug 3 2016, 12:44 PM

These mesas are not so close. The mesa on the left of the panorama (south direction) is located at ~75m of the rover. The mesa on the right (west direction) is located at ~65m. But for their respective heights, I let someone else answer...

Posted by: Floyd Aug 3 2016, 12:46 PM

The mesas are seen in many maps and images with scales, so you should be able to determine the width of the mesa in front of us (take the part above the sloping deposits). From the known width you can get the height from the recent images. Many other options as well.

Posted by: Sean Aug 3 2016, 03:57 PM

Here is a quick render using a crop of Thomas' great portrait showing Curi approaching the balanced rock.

https://flic.kr/p/KKeL2A

Curi scale derived from HiRISE projection.


Posted by: brellis Aug 3 2016, 04:33 PM

In the Route Map thread, Phil mentions that it looks like MSL will skip the dune called Sossus Vlei. Seen one, ya seen them all, eh? Hehe - it'd be a shame to miss a science target that fills in part of the story of early Mars, but on the other hand there are some pretty cool chapters (and views) ahead!

Posted by: Gerald Aug 3 2016, 05:37 PM

The dunes appear to be active. So they tell something about contemporary geologic processes on Mars.
Further to the south there will be another dune to cross. So I bet, that there will be at least one more opportunity to get a close look to a dune.

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 4 2016, 12:40 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Ken Herkenhoff, 3 Aug 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1420-drilling-marimba

QUOTE
The Sol 1419 activities completed successfully, including cleaning the remaining Oudam sample out of CHIMRA. So the focus of the Sol 1420 plan is drilling into the Marimba bedrock target. But first, MAHLI will image the "noseprint" of the APXS contact sensor in the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01419/mhli/1419MH0001930000503210R00_DXXX.jpg and the drill target from various distances. After the drilling has completed, the drill bit and the new drill hole will be imaged by many of the MSL cameras. And once again, we were able to fit some additional Mastcam observations into the plan: Measurements of dust in the atmosphere, a stereo mosaic extending coverage of the arm workspace, images of targets "Cota 1" and "Cota 2" to serve as a baseline for detecting changes in sand deposits this weekend, and two stereo pairs to improve coverage of one of the Murray Buttes. The MAHLI activities were all part of the drill campaign that was planned in advance, so it was an easy day for me as uplink lead.


Posted by: climber Aug 4 2016, 08:16 AM

After the recent dumped sample, I wonder where we are regarding the sample process as a whole. If I remembrer it correctely, a given sample as well as what remains from it, can be anywhere from been in the scoop,?,?,?,?, stored to be analysed, been analysed, dumped, results released. Does somebody get a kind of excel file showing all status or point me to such information? Tanks,

Posted by: Gerald Aug 4 2016, 09:18 AM

Figure 4 on page 451 (actually the third page) of http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20100021925.pdf may provide some of the information.
Once a sample is in SAM or CheMin, it cannot be dumped any more. SAM has a vent, but only for volatiles.

...There are various paths within the SAM instrument. Pyrolysed samples remain in the test tubes.
CheMin dumps the analysed samples into an internal store.

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 4 2016, 09:45 AM

Looks suspiciously like a mini-hole at Marimba smile.gif Not seen one of those for a while smile.gif


Posted by: Gerald Aug 4 2016, 10:42 AM

The color of the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01420/mhli/1420MH0003970010503225C00_DXXX.jpg looks very similar to http://planetary.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/4-mars/2015/20150814_compare_mahli_daysun_rawcolor_rawcolorx4_sol1060_90.jpg. This applies to http://planetary.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/4-mars/2015/20150814_curiosity_drill_sites.jpg, too. So, I'd guess, that we'll see a similar composition regarding http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2015/pdf/2735.pdf.

Posted by: serpens Aug 5 2016, 03:18 AM

The target area seems to be reasonably well cemented. Is the pressure applied to the DRT during use constant across all applications? Just wondering if the scratches left by the stainless steel bristles could give a comparative indication of the hardness of the different surfaces. A pseudo scratch test.

Posted by: Gerald Aug 5 2016, 06:39 AM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young%27s_modulus of the bristle material should stay almost constant over time. The other physical properties of individual bristels shouldn't change much, too. The only changing parameter I see, is a gradual or stepwise change of the degree the bristles are twisted. So bundles of bristles might vary a bit over time, regarding the force they can excert onto a given area.
But overall, I'd see the brushing as a close to valid scratch test.
Only very soft material can be scratched by the brush, at least as it had been initially without twisted bristles. I think this has been mentioned early in the mission.

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 5 2016, 08:05 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar, 5 Aug 2016: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sol-1421-determining-drill-activities-at-marimba

QUOTE
On Sol 1420 we planned a full drill hole on the target “Marimba” to characterize the composition of the Murray mudstone in this location. However, we came in early this morning to find that the drill hole didn’t penetrate very far into this rock target, as seen in the above MAHLI image. We’re trying to evaluate why this drill hole is different, and what prevented the drill from completing as planned. The rover is healthy and all other activities completed successfully, so this might just be a harder rock target than we’ve seen before.

I was the GSTL today, and it was a complicated morning as we worked through several options for today’s plan. We decided to stick to remote sensing today while we continue to evaluate the drill activity and options moving forward. The GEO group decided to take advantage of the shallow drill hole as a way to assess variations in chemistry with depth. So we planned some Mastcam multispectral and ChemCam passive observations of the drill tailings, as well as a ChemCam LIBS observation across the drill hole. The plan also includes a ChemCam observation of “Cabinda” to assess an alternative drill site, as well as the target “Epukiro” to investigate an interesting vein. We’ll also use Mastcam and ChemCam to assess the post-sieve dump piles from the previous drill target “Oudam,” which we dumped on a nearby rock slab. Then Curiosity will use Mastcam and Navcam to monitor the atmosphere and search for dust devils. In the afternoon, we’ll acquire a 360-degree Mastcam mosaic to provide geologic context for this drill site. I’ll be on duty again tomorrow, hoping to pick back up with drilling activities!


Posted by: Gerald Aug 5 2016, 12:44 PM

I'm confused, since the presumed scratches suggested a rock which should be soft at the surface.


(http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01420/mhli/1420MH0001220010503223C00_DXXX.jpg)
So do other similarities to the (soft) Pahrump sediment.

Posted by: Floyd Aug 5 2016, 02:27 PM

Reading Lauren Edgar's update I take away: Hard rock was one possibility for shallow hole. Something strange happening with the drill or drilling is another. The team is evaluating what happened and options moving forward. So rock may be soft--we will have to see how it all turns out.

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 5 2016, 03:49 PM

QUOTE (Floyd @ Aug 5 2016, 10:27 PM) *
Reading Lauren Edgar's update I take away: Hard rock was one possibility for shallow hole. Something strange happening with the drill or drilling is another. The team is evaluating what happened and options moving forward. So rock may be soft--we will have to see how it all turns out.

The drill bit looks to be in good order, but the slab looks like it may have had a small amount of movement? Enough to halt the drilling?

EDIT: Looking at the L-MastCam, movement (if any) seems negligible... Guess we will have to await JPL's findings... smile.gif

Posted by: serpens Aug 6 2016, 02:50 AM

From the distribution and fineness of the spoil the drill hammered away for a full cycle.

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 6 2016, 06:26 AM

12 frame mosaic, sol 1420 R-MastCam. Curiosity's Workspace, including Marimba(top center) which provide some context for the earlier images. No processing of the images after stitching in MS ICE
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/28181084343/sizes/l
Links:
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/28181084343/sizes/l
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/105796482@N04/28181084343/sizes/o

Posted by: PaulH51 Aug 6 2016, 07:43 AM

Curiosity Mission Update by Lauren Edgar, 5 Aug 2016, http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/news/astrogeology/sols-1422-1424-it-s-my-party-and-i-ll-drill-if-i-want-to-

QUOTE
Happy birthday Curiosity! As we celebrate four Earth years of operations on Mars, Curiosity will be busy collecting another drill sample. In honor of her birthday, check out all of the great science that we’ve accomplished in the last year in this http://mars.nasa.gov/multimedia/videos/?v=303.

Curiosity’s birthday party on Mars kicks off with another attempt to drill the “Marimba” mudstone target. While this target might be harder than previous rocks that we’ve drilled, we’re optimistic that the drill will complete successfully. I was the GSTL again today, and it was a fairly straightforward planning day. The first sol is focused on drilling and imaging the drill hole and tailings. On the second sol we’ll acquire ChemCam RMI images of the drill hole so we can target it with ChemCam LIBS on Monday. We’re also planning a Mastcam stereo image of the location that we’ll dump the pre-sieved material. In the afternoon we’ll transfer the drill sample, sieve it, and drop off a portion to CheMin. Then we’ll let CheMin analyze it overnight. On the third sol we have a science block devoted to Mastcam multispectral imaging of the drill hole and tailings, along with a ChemCam automated targeting test, and Navcam atmospheric monitoring. Later in the day we’ll acquire a few Mastcam images as part of a change detection activity.

Sounds like a fun-filled weekend for our four-year-old rover. Happy birthday Curiosity. Have your mudstone and eat it too.

Posted by: charborob Aug 6 2016, 07:48 PM

Sol 1421 Lmastcam panorama:
https://flic.kr/p/KTKSaZ

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