Curiosity has set its sights on an outcrop called “Sandside Harbour” where it is currently investigating the differences between the lighter and darker expressions. The first step of the plan involves conducting contact science to examine variations in sedimentary structures and composition.
Mastcam multispectral observations will be used to characterize different parts of the outcrop, including a unique fin of bedrock at “Joppa Shore.” Mastcam will also document nearby stratigraphy at “North Minch” and an interesting green rock called “Halkirk.”
ChemCam will assess the chemistry of “Blackstones Bank” and “Essendy,” targets on the darker and lighter outcrops, respectively. A large Mastcam mosaic will be created to document the “Sandside Harbour” outcrop, with the main focus being to use DRT, MAHLI, and APXS to characterize the darker outcrop for comparison with previous measurements on the lighter outcrop.
Curiosity’s priority for today is to conduct measurements on “East Shetland” and “Essendy.” The team will also monitor the atmosphere with a suprahorizon movie and dust devil survey on the second sol. After completing these activities, Curiosity will drive west to another outcrop where post-drive imaging will be done in preparation for more contact science on Monday.
On Sol 2474, Curiosity will wake up early for additional environmental monitoring activities. The planning was conducted by the SOWG Chair and had to be shortened to two sols due to a soliday on Saturday. The soliday is being used to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and appreciate the early explorers who paved the way for current planetary exploration efforts.
