Bell JF, Squyres SW, Arvidson RE, Arneson HM, Bass D, Calvin W, Farrand WH, Goetz W, Golombek M, Greeley R, Grotzinger J, Guinness E, Hayes AG, Hubbard MYH, Herkenhoff KE, Johnson MJ, Johnson JR, Joseph J, Kinch KM, Lemmon MT, Li R, Madsen MB, Maki JN, Malin M, McCartney E, McLennan S, McSween HY, Ming DW, Morris RV, Dobrea EZN, Parker TJ, Proton J, Rice JW, Seelos F, Soderblom JM, Soderblom LA, Sohl-Dickstein JN, Sullivan RJ, Weitz CM, Wolff MJ. Pancam multispectral imaging results from the Opportunity Rover at Meridiani Planum.
Science 2004;
306:1703-9. [PMID:
15576603 DOI:
10.1126/science.1105245]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images from Meridiani Planum reveal a low-albedo, generally flat, and relatively rock-free surface. Within and around impact craters and fractures, laminated outcrop rocks with higher albedo are observed. Fine-grained materials include dark sand, bright ferric iron-rich dust, angular rock clasts, and millimeter-size spheroidal granules that are eroding out of the laminated rocks. Spectra of sand, clasts, and one dark plains rock are consistent with mafic silicates such as pyroxene and olivine. Spectra of both the spherules and the laminated outcrop materials indicate the presence of crystalline ferric oxides or oxyhydroxides. Atmospheric observations show a steady decline in dust opacity during the mission. Astronomical observations captured solar transits by Phobos and Deimos and time-lapse observations of sunsets.
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