Western Rim of Endeavour Crater Digital Terrain Model

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The labeled image below is a digital terrain model (DTM) of the Western rim of Endeavour Crater overlain with a northward perspective from HiRISE and compositional data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM). This is the area Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity has been investigating since 2011.

Click to see hires version from HiRISE

This image has been instrumental in planning Opportunity's movements and continuously developing mission. As indicated in the image above, orbital data has identified areas where clay (red), sulfate (green), and volcanic (blue) minerals could be present. Clays and sulfates are indicative of a watery past on Mars as they often only form in the presence of significant moisture.

Opportunity is currently around Cape York, but heading south in an attempt to discover more about the geology of Endeavour Crater.

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Mars Photo of the Day - Sept 19 2011

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Today's Mars Photo shows a part of Cape Tribulation as taken by Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity on Sol 2720 (today is Sol 2721). Cape Tribulation contains a large amount of exposed clay mineral much like the low-acidic clays found along the rim of Endeavour Crater. These clays are thought to be indications of an environment that was more suitable to life.

This image is larger than the original, so instead it will link to a full-color photo of Cape Tribulation taken in August 2011.

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Mars Photo of the Day - Sept 6 2011

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Today's Mars Photo is of Cape Tribulation. The image was taken by Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity as it rolled up to Spirit Point in August 2011. Data from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's CRISM camera indicates that there is a large quantity of exposed clay minerals on Cape Tribulation. NASA has stated their current mission with MER Opportunity is to explore Cape York, after which they will attempt to climb Cape Tribulation. This is all assuming the aging Mars Rover remains operable throughout its new mission. 

This image is from The Planetary Society and their monthly update on Opportunity. The image was rendered in color by Stuart Atkinson, author of The Road to Endeavour. To see the full hi-def image simply click on the one below. 

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