http://qt.exploratorium.edu/mars/spirit/mi...00P2959M2M1.JPG

In the latest micoscopic imager pics of the post rated bedrock, there appear to be what llook like darker "grains" within the rock. Take a look at the image in the link above and see what you think. They appear towards the bottom right of the image.

I see what you're talking about -- almost looks more like a "stain" in the rock than an area of truly different composition (though that's hard to say for sure). The rock structure -- grain size, hardness, etc. -- looks the same both in the lighter "matrix" and the darker "clasts," which gives the impression of some sort of staining.

I'm not very clear on the location of the RAT hole in question, though. Is it in one of the rocks that appears finely layered, or is it in one of the rocks that looks more like the plains basalts? I'd have to think that the finely layered rocks are likely depositional, either aeolian or aquatic...

Doug
dvandorn1@NOSPAM.mn.rr.com

Not sure which of the "RAT" holes that picture was taken in as thee are now two in the bedrock:

http://qt.exploratorium.edu/mars/spirit/fo...00P1214R0M1.JPG

I wonder if this could be fitted on a lander at some future date?


World-Leading Microscope Shows More Detail Than Ever

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/World_Lea..._Than_Ever.html

London, UK (SPX) May 05, 2006 - A unique 3-dimensional microscope that works in
a new way is giving unprecedented insight into microscopic internal structure
and chemical composition. It is revealing how materials are affected, over time,
by changes in temperature, humidity, weight load and other conditions.

Lads, you're forgetting that we don't have a RAT on Spirit anymore. This is not a RAT hole in rock, it is a brush-hole in the sand. Remember the 'dig'?

Woah, hold up.

This thread is from July of 2004!


However, there are some new images at the Exploratorium.
Link.

Spirit has been busy doing something. A bit messy perhaps, but something nonetheless.

I cannot help but look at those images you link to and think:

"Wet beach sand."

doh!

Spirit has been busy doing something. A bit messy perhaps, but something nonetheless.
I cannot help but look at those images you link to and think:
"Wet beach sand."

That's a castle. Spirit is bulding a castle...

Update!
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/status.html

It's a microscopic open-pit mine. Spirit is doing it's 'dig', like I said. I just confused a couple of years that's all.

Or brown sugar.

That being the case, we've DEFINITELY got to get people to Mars soon.
We've got our moon made out of cheese, and brown sugar on Mars. (And the outcrops in Meridiani are huge sugar crystals.)

Space is delicious!


This means something. This is important.



In any case, this winter campaign looks like it should be quite productive. A stationary rover with one bad wheel and a partly worn out tool, and it still can get so much done.

I know what you mean. And then I shake myself and remind myself of images like this, "obviously" soaking wet soil, sticking together like wet sand under pressure.

...It's an in-situ photograph from an Apollo lunar surface camera...and rather like the effect we see in many disturbed regolith MER images.

Andy G