Today's Image of Mars comes from HiRISE and shows the Northwest part of the ellipse where Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity has a 99% chance of landing. This ellipse was showcased in a previous Mars Photo of the Day.
The imaged area is located at the base of Gale Crater's central mound, Mount Sharp, which the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Express, and Mars Odyssey Orbiter have determined is rich in clays and sulfates, both of which can only be formed in the presence of water. The plan is to have Mars Science Laboratory examine these clays and sulfates to help scientists get a better picture of what the environment on Mars used to be like. Doing this will help to determine whether Mars was once hospitable to life and whether it may still be.
Clicking on this image will take you to all other images of Gale Crater showcased by Mars Travel.
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