Curiosity’s ChemCam Analysis Unveils New Details on Martian Contact Zone

Curiosity’s drive on Sol 1067 was successful, with a distance of 19 meters covered. The rover is now back at Missoula for more targeted science activities. The goal of this mission is to perform a detailed study of the Stimson-Pahrump contact and determine the relative timing of the veins observed there.

The three-sol plan is busy, with a focus on ChemCam analyses. On Sol 1068, Curiosity will acquire ChemCam LIBS on four different “Missoula” targets (Missoula A, B, C, and D) to understand the chemistry across the contact. Several Mastcam images will be taken to document these targets. On Sol 1070, a ChemCam passive observation will be made on the target “Coombs” and a regular ChemCam LIBS observation on the target “Stenerson.” Environmental monitoring activities will also be conducted over the weekend to assess the atmosphere’s opacity and search for dust devils.

After conducting thorough investigations with ChemCam, Curiosity will resume driving through Marias Pass on Sol 1070 and take post-drive imaging to prepare for science activities next week. Lauren Edgar, a Research Geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the MSL science team, provided this update. It is important to note that planned rover activities are subject to change based on factors such as the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.