Sol 2019: The workspace that just keeps giving
10 April 2018For the past few sols Curiosity has been exploring a diverse assemblage of cobbles and boulders on Vera Rubin Ridge, trying to understand how this blocky deposit came to be, and what the variety of rock types can tell us about geologic processes in Gale crater. We’ve been really excited… Read More
Astrogeology Sows STEM Seeds
9 April 2018The fifth Annual Flagstaff Community STEM Celebration, at Lawrence Walkup Skydome, was another undertaking of progress for presenting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Astrogeology seldom misses an opportunity to sow STEM seeds — encouraging STEM activities,… Read More
Names Approved for Seven Faculae on Mercury
6 April 2018The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature approved names for seven faculae on Mercury: Abeeso Facula, Agwo Facula, Nathair Facula, Neidr Facula, Suge Facula, Thueban Facula, and Slang Faculae. For more information, see Mercury maps H-3, H-4, H-5, and H-8 in the Gazetteer of Planetary… Read More
Name Approved for Crater on Mars: Garu
6 April 2018The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature approved the name Garu for a crater on Mars. For more information, see MC-23 in the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature.
Sol 2014: Something new and different
5 April 2018For much of the last year, Curiosity has been exploring fine-grained rocks along Vera Rubin Ridge, and investigating red and gray color variations. Recently, something else caught our eye: dark cobbles and boulders exposed in patches, as seen in the above Mastcam image. We’ve seen… Read More
Sols 2008-2010: Exploring variations in composition, texture, and color
30 March 2018Yesterday Curiosity drove 35 m to the southeast, which set us up for some great contact science on the rim of a small impact crater. We’re working our way toward Region 13 on Vera Rubin Ridge and exploring changes in bedrock composition, texture, and color, as shown in the above Navcam… Read More
Name Approved for Crater on the Moon: Hawke
23 March 2018The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature approved the name Hawke for a crater on the Moon. For more information, see LAC-140 in the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature.
Let the Good Times Roll at LPSC
19 March 2018Many Astrogeology Science Center employees are off to the 49th Lunar Planetary Science Center Conference (LPSC), in Woodlands, Texas, beginning this week throughout the 23rd. LPSC is co-sponsored by the Lunar and Planetary Institute and NASA. Astrogeology engages in this yearly conference to… Read More
Happy International Women's Day: with Barbie!
7 March 2018Hooray to the little girls who have grown up and are making contributions to science every day! In honor of International Women's Day on March 8, Mattel is making 17 new Barbie dolls that include an Inspiring Women line—featuring dolls based on historical female figures, and Shero… Read More
Sols 1981-1983: Second sample acquisition attempt
2 March 2018All of the data returned for the second drill target, called "Lake Orcadie 2," support the decision to attempt to acquire sample at that location using feed-extended drilling. So the weekend plan is focused on drilling, which is planned for the second sol (1982). But first, on Sol… Read More
