This image from the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity is part of the first set of pictures that was returned to Earth after the rover exited “Eagle Crater.” Scientists are busy analyzing Opportunity’s new view of the plains of Meridiani Planum. The plentiful ripples are a clear indication that wind is the primary geologic process currently in effect on the plains. On the left of the image are two depressions – each about a meter (about 3.3 feet) across – that feature bright spots in their centers. One possibility is that the bright material is similar in composition to the rocks in “Eagle Crater’s” outcrop and the surrounding darker material is what’s referred to as “lag deposit,” or erosional remnants that are much harder and more difficult to wear away. The twin dimples might be revealing pieces of a larger outcrop that lies beneath. The depression closest to Opportunity is whimsically referred to as “Homeplate” and the one behind it as “First Base.” The rover’s panoramic camera is set to take detailed images of the depressions on Opportunity’s 58th sol. The backshell and parachute that helped protect the rover and deliver it safely to the surface of Mars are visible near the horizon, in the center of the image. IMAGE CREDIT: NASA/JPL APPROVED BY: Larry Soderblom CAPTION WRITER: Colleen Sharkey 818/626-0653 cell IMAGE FILE NAME: _xpe_pubeng_approved_032204_outside_eagle.jpg SOURCE FILE: 1N133253122FFLO800P1907LOM1 RELEASE DATE: March 23, 2004 SUMMARY INFORMATION: Navcam image of new view outside of Eagle Crater NAME OF SUBMITTER: Meredith Payne cell:602-363-3738 INSTITUTION: ASU THEME/TEAM/GROUP: Geology SOL OF OBSERVATION: 57 EARTH DATE OF OBSERVATION: March 22, 2004 TITLE OF IMAGE: Plain to See
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