![Request for Information – Potential [Placeholder for Prize]](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/psd/solar/2023/09/s/solarsystem_0.jpg?w=1024)
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.
Curiosity Rover Takes Selfie on Mars
Explanation: Yes, but have you ever taken a selfie on Mars ? The Curiosity rover on Mars has. This selfie was compiled from many smaller images -- which is why the mechanical arm holding the camera is not visible. (Although its shadow is!) Taken in mid-2015, the featured image shows not only the adventurous rover, but dark layered rocks , the light colored peak of Mount Sharp , and the rusting red sand that pervades Mars . If you look closely , you can even see that a small rock is stuck into one of Curiosity's aging wheels . Now nearing the end of 2017, Curiosity continues to explore the layers of sedimentary rocks it has discovered on Vera Rubin Ridge in order to better understand , generally, the ancient geologic history of Mars and, specifically, why these types of rocks exist there.
Now Available: The 2018 APOD Calendar
| Date | November 20, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech , MSSS |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |