Curiosity Rover’s Sol 1173: Exploring the Bagnold Dunes on Mars

The Bagnold Dunes on Mars have been a focus of exploration for the Curiosity rover, and this weekend marked a significant milestone in its progress. The rover made a remarkable stride by driving 51 meters closer to the dunes. As the Geology Science Theme Lead, I am currently planning Sol 1173, which will take place today.

The plan for the day includes several key activities that will help us gather valuable data about the dunes and their surrounding bedrock. We will begin with Mastcam observations of two of the dunes as well as a small sandsheet directly in our path. This will allow us to monitor any changes in the terrain and document any new features that may have formed overnight.

Following the observations, we will proceed with a drive towards the dunes, acquiring post-drive imaging along the way. This imagery will help us prepare for targeting activities that will take place tomorrow, allowing us to focus on specific areas of interest and gather more detailed information about those features.

In addition to these activities, we will also utilize the Navcam to observe the atmosphere and search for dust devils. This information will help us better understand how atmospheric conditions affect our ability to explore the surface of Mars. Additionally, we will take Mastcam mosaics under different lighting conditions to capture subtle textures in both the dunes and surrounding bedrock. This data will help us determine which time of day is best suited for imaging these features during our Bagnold Dune campaign.

Overall, today’s plan is crucial in helping us closely monitor these unique Martian dunes and document any changes or new features that may arise. By gathering valuable data through our various activities, we hope to enhance our understanding of this fascinating terrain on Mars.