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Science

Recent images from Mars

Curiosity's fascinating photos of the Martian landscape pose new questions for NASA scientists

September 26, 2013 10:44AM ET
A self-portrait of NASA's Mars rover Curiosity combines dozens of exposures taken by its Mars Hand Lens Imager on one day in February and one in May 2013. The image also shows gray powder and two holes where Curiosity used its drill on the rock target "John Klein."
A self-portrait of NASA's Mars rover Curiosity combines dozens of exposures taken by its Mars Hand Lens Imager on one day in February and one in May 2013. The image also shows gray powder and two holes where Curiosity used its drill on the rock target "John Klein." NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
A map showing Curiosity's progress as of Aug. 1, 2013, almost a full year since it landed on Mars.
A map showing Curiosity's progress as of Aug. 1, 2013, almost a full year since it landed on Mars. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona
This image, taken at the "Sheepbed" locality on Dec. 13, 2012, shows well-defined veins filled with whitish minerals, interpreted as calcium sulfate. The veins form when water circulates through a fracture, depositing minerals along the sides of the fracture.
This image, taken at the "Sheepbed" locality on Dec. 13, 2012, shows well-defined veins filled with whitish minerals, interpreted as calcium sulfate. The veins form when water circulates through a fracture, depositing minerals along the sides of the fracture. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
This full-circle view combines nearly 900 images taken by Curiosity, creating a virtual panorama of the Martian surface. The rover used three cameras to take the images on several different days between Oct. 5 and Nov. 16, 2012.
This full-circle view combines nearly 900 images taken by Curiosity, creating a virtual panorama of the Martian surface. The rover used three cameras to take the images on several different days between Oct. 5 and Nov. 16, 2012. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
A patch of rock cleaned by the rover's Dust Removal Tool, the first time the tool was deployed, Jan. 6, 2013.
A patch of rock cleaned by the rover's Dust Removal Tool, the first time the tool was deployed, Jan. 6, 2013. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
A close-up view, taken on June 13, 2013, of rocks with holes that appear to contain material different from the main rock. NASA scientists are very curious about what this finer-grained, slightly darker material could be.
A close-up view, taken on June 13, 2013, of rocks with holes that appear to contain material different from the main rock. NASA scientists are very curious about what this finer-grained, slightly darker material could be. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
This photo, taken by a camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on June 27, shows Curiosity as a bluish dot near the lower right corner of the frame. Also visible are Rover's tracks.
This photo, taken by a camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on June 27, shows Curiosity as a bluish dot near the lower right corner of the frame. Also visible are Rover's tracks. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona
The rover's main science target, Mount Sharp, looms in the distance in this photo, taken shortly after Curiosity landed. The peak is 3.4 miles high, taller than Mount Whitney in California.
The rover's main science target, Mount Sharp, looms in the distance in this photo, taken shortly after Curiosity landed. The peak is 3.4 miles high, taller than Mount Whitney in California. NASA/JPL-Caltech
The lower slopes of Mount Sharp can be seen at the top of this image, taken on July 9. Also visible are the turret of tools at the end of Curiosity's robotic arm and the rover's rock-sampling drill (lower left).
The lower slopes of Mount Sharp can be seen at the top of this image, taken on July 9. Also visible are the turret of tools at the end of Curiosity's robotic arm and the rover's rock-sampling drill (lower left). NASA/JPL-Caltech
Curiosity reached this rocky site, informally called "Darwin," on Sept. 10, 2013.
Curiosity reached this rocky site, informally called "Darwin," on Sept. 10, 2013. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems

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