Rovers keeping an eye on Martian dust storm

Mosaic image showing the dust storm in the southern hemisphere of Mars as of November 18, 2012. The locations of the Curiosity and Opportunity rovers are also marked.
Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Malin Space Science Systems

A large seasonal dust storm has been growing in the southern hemisphere of Mars over the last couple of weeks, and both rovers, Curiosity and Opportunity, have been monitoring its extent and progress, as well as Mars Reconnaisance Orbiter.

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Curiosity’s ‘one for the history books’ Mars findings to be presented soon

Recent self-portrait of the Curiosity rover, also showing the scoop marks in the sand where samples were taken for analysis. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Malin Space Science Systems

As a follow-up to the previous article regarding the new “one for the history books” discovery made by the Curiosity rover, it is now being reported in the last couple days, by Space.com and Wired, among others, that the results will be announced during the upcoming American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting in San Francisco, which runs from December 3-7.

Read MoreCuriosity’s ‘one for the history books’ Mars findings to be presented soon

An ‘earth-shaking discovery’: what has the Curiosity rover found on Mars?

Gravel deposited in an ancient streambed at the Curiosity landing site. Have organics also now been found? Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

There is some potentially exciting news from the Curiosity rover – according to John Grotzinger, principal investigator for the mission, analysis of the first soil samples has produced some provocative results.

Read MoreAn ‘earth-shaking discovery’: what has the Curiosity rover found on Mars?

Bird’s-eye view of the largest canyon in the solar system

Stunning bird’s-eye view of Valles Marineris, from the Mars Express spacecraft.
Credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin (G. Neukum)

The huge Grand Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth, offering a glimpse into our planet’s dynamic geological history. But there is another canyon that is even larger, much larger – on Mars.

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Curiosity rover takes stunning new self-portrait

New high-resolution self-portrait of Curiosity. Click for larger version. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Malin Space Science Systems

While being busy examining the Martian rocks, soil and atmosphere, the Curiosity rover can also be like a tourist, taking lots of photos of the beautiful, alien landscape around it. Tourists often like to take pictures of themselves, posing with various monuments or with a scenic background.

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