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After a 31-meter drive on Sol 1584, MSL is in position for contact science on a block of bedrock in front of the rover.
So, as MAHLI/MARDI uplink lead today I focused on planning a full suite of
MAHLI images of a target named "Jewell" that appears to expose
sedimentary structures. The Sol 1585 plan also includes ChemCam and
Right Mastcam observations of Jewell, a single Right Mastcam image of
another bedrock exposure dubbed "Bernard Mountain," and a Navcam dust
devil survey. The rover will then drive again and acquire images in the
new location. Later in the afternoon, Mastcam will measure the amount
of dust in the atmosphere and Navcam will search again for dust devils.
After the usual MARDI twilight image is taken, ChemCam will perform
some calibration activities at various temperatures.
by Ken Herkenhoff Dates of planned rover activities described in these reports are subject to change due to a variety of factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays and rover status.
Written by Ken Herkenhoff, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center