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APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Adirondack Rock on Mars
Explanation: Is this a great pyramid on Mars? Actually, the pictured rock dubbed Adirondack has an irregular shape, is only about the size of a football , and has formed by natural processes . Still, its relatively large size and dust-free surface made it the first destination for the robotic Spirit rover currently roving Mars . Spirit, itself the size of a golf cart , will now attempt to determine the rock's composition and history by prodding it with its sophisticated mechanical arm . Spirit's arm, programmed remotely from Earth, has the capability to bend, grind, and photograph the rock in minute detail. Spirit 's twin rover Opportunity is scheduled to land on the other side of Mars this coming weekend.
| Date | January 21, 2004 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Credit: Mars Exploration Rover Mission , JPL , NASA |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |