The Mars Report - September 13, 2012

The Mars Report

September 13, 2012

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I just downloaded a new batch of images from Mars. I hadn’t intended to write this article till later in the week, but I have the images and better to get this done, than put it off and be in too much pain to do it later. [this was written September 13, 2012] Now, for first image, well it may well be the best image of the article. I know, I usually “save the best for last”, but I just might be breaking an old habit. This is an image, from the Curiosity’s Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI). Actually, I think all of our images today are from the MAHLI. This is a high definition image of a penny. This 1909 penny is used as a calibration for imaging devices on Curiosity. I was impressed they used a 1909 penny. You can see the build up of Martian dust, on this penny.

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[caption id="attachment_246" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This is an image of a penny (1909 penny) on Curiosity. The penny is used for imaging calibration, and this shot shows the accumlination of Martian Dust on the penny.[/caption]

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The next two images (still from Mars and from the MAHLI) are of the receptor for soil samples, that is about to be used. These two images are from a testing process that JPL engaged in, today, to test and calibrate instruments to be used tomorrow to test Martian soil. The first shot, here, is of the receptacle with the lid closed.

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[caption id="attachment_245" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Soil Receptor with the door shut. This is the receptor for Martian soil samples.[/caption]

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Soil Receptor with the door shut. This is the receptor for Martian soil samples.

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Oui, now with the lid OPEN! (Joy!)

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[caption id="attachment_244" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Soil Receptor with the door open.[/caption]

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The next two images are of Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) on NASA's Curiosity rover, with the Martian landscape in the background. This mast, of Curiosity, is a multi-headed beast! I wonder what a life form might think, if it ran into Curiosity in the dark.

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[caption id="attachment_247" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This is a self portrait of the mast of the Curiosity rover.[/caption]

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Side-shot of the same mast on Curiosity rover. This is a creature of many ‘heads’.

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[caption id="attachment_248" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Curiosity Rover Head Mast Side-Shot[/caption]

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That brings us to the end of this installment of The Mars Report. I thank you for coming by and reading, and appreciate your time. Have a great day tomorrow and I hope to see you here on Friday. The weekend is well within reach!

 Thank you for all your generosity and kindness.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="220"] Daniel's Moving Assistance Fund[/caption]

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