- Original Caption Released with Image:
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This black-and-white image shows the first layered rocks scientists have
seen close up in Gusev Crater, where NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit
landed Jan. 4, 2004. While Spirit's twin rover, Opportunity, reached the
stadium-size Endurance Crater on the other side of Mars and began
exploring its many layered outcrops in early May, Spirit traveled more
than 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) to get to this layered bedrock in the
"Columbia Hills." Scientists are planning to conduct a study of these
rocks to determine if they are volcanic or sedimentary in origin, and if
they have been chemically altered. Spirit's panoramic camera took this
image on sol 217 (Aug. 13, 2004).
- Image Credit:
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NASA/JPL/Cornell
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