As NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity creeps farther into
"Endurance Crater," the dune field on the crater floor appears even more
dramatic. This approximate true-color panoramic camera image highlights
the reddish-colored dust present throughout the scene.
Sinuous tendrils of sand less than 1 meter (3.3 feet) high extend from
the main dune field toward the rover. Scientists hope to send the rover
down to one of these tendrils in an effort to learn more about the
characteristics of the dunes. Dunes are a common feature across the
surface of Mars, and knowledge gleaned from investigating the Endurance
dunes close-up may apply to similar dunes elsewhere.
Before the rover heads down to the dunes, rover drivers must first
establish whether the slippery slope that leads to them is firm enough
to ensure a successful drive back out of the crater. Otherwise, such
hazards might make the dune field a true sand trap.
