Curiosity snaps Mars selfie

  • 09/09/2018
Curiosity had just drilled for a new rock sample
Curiosity had just drilled for a new rock sample. Photo credit: NASA/JPL

The US space agency NASA has released a 'selfie' image of the Curiosity rover on the surface of Mars.

The composite image, compiled of photos taken on August 9, shows the rover at the red planet's Vera Rubin Ridge.

Curiosity had just drilled for a new rock sample.

A thin layer of dust is visible on the robot explorer, the result of a storm that enveloped Mars this summer. The darkish sky is from dust still in the atmosphere, NASA explained.

Curiosity is nuclear-powered and therefore unaffected by the lack of sunlight.

Mars
The full image. Photo credit: NASA/JPL

NASA's older rover Opportunity, however, relies on solar power and has been silent since June.

Flight controllers hope as the Martian sky continues to clear, Opportunity will get back in contact.

But after almost 15 years exploring the planet, NASA says Opportunity may not have the strength or ability for a comeback.

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