As we approach the winter solstice on Earth and the days lengthen, the Vera Rubin Ridge mission on Mars is reaching its conclusion. On sol 2276, the team will analyze the drill sample “Rock Hall” using CheMin technology to shed light on its composition. ChemCam will also take measurements on bedrock targets “Auchenheath,” “Firth of Forth,” and “Port Charlotte,” capturing data across the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet to near infrared. Mastcam will provide color images of these targets and create a black and white mosaic of the large white vein “Hopetoun.”
Additionally, change detection images will be taken of targets “Fishertown” and “Luskentyre” to observe movement in the Martian soil. Navcam will capture a series of images of dust devils on the Aeolis Palus plains to study atmospheric dust density, while Mastcam will observe the crater rim to study dust and aerosol scattering properties in the air.
On New Year’s Eve, a special ChemCam observation will mark the end of the year, with another observation planned for the first hours of the New Year. As we enter 2019, Curiosity will look towards the clay flats to the south, with a series of observations planned to study the Martian atmosphere and landscape.
As we welcome 2019, we are excited about more scientific discoveries awaiting us on Mars.