Release Date: 
4/05/04
Image Filename:
x_pubeng_route_pan.tif
Source Filename:

Summary Info:
Pancam image taken on sol 91 by Spirit of the rock called "Route 66"
Submitter:
Jack Farmer
Institution
Arizona State University
Theme

Rover
Spirit
Sol of Observation
91
Earth Date of Obs. 
April 5, 2004

Spirit Gets Her Kicks at “Route 66”

NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Spirit took this panoramic camera image on sol 91.  It shows Spirit’s current resting place at the base of a 60-centimeter wide  (23.6 inches) 24-centimeter high (9.4 inch) rock dubbed “Route 66.” 

This rock was found along Spirit’s multi-sol trek toward the Columbia Hills and peaked scientist’s interest because its light-tone and scalloped surface is very similar to the previously targeted rock called “Mazatzal.”  Scientists are debating weather to spend time analyzing Route 66, or to bank energy and keep driving toward the ultimate goal of the Columbia Hills to the east. 

Scientists have some time to debate because Spirit will remain at this location through the Flight Software Update that will occur during sols 94 - 98. 


Credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell

Approved by:
Jack Farmer
Ron Greeley - SOWG Chair



<br> USERNAME: shlieven