- Original Caption Released with Image:
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This panoramic image of the 3.1 millimeter-deep (just over one-tenth of
an inch) hole ground by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's rock
abrasion tool in the target called "Mojo 2" on "Flatrock" was taken on
the 44th martian day, or sol, of the mission. It will help complete the
chemical analysis of the lowest layer of the outcrop in the crater where
the rover now resides. After a brief brushing on sol 45, the science team
plans to place Opportunity's spectrometers on the hole to collect data
vital to their understanding of this impressive outcrop.
Scientists believe that the spherule or "blueberry" in the upper right
area of the circular impression was sliced in half by the rock abrasion
tool. "Blueberries" are a known obstruction to the grinding tool that
cause it to terminate its sequence. Despite the stall, the rock abrasion
tool abraded "Flatrock" for one hour and five minutes, producing a cavity
ripe for investigation.
- Image Credit:
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NASA/JPL/Cornell
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