[meteorite-list] Curious about Curiosity

From: Kevin Kichinka <marsrox_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2012 22:29:26 -0600
Message-ID: <CANDn_7EFXFiyiLKovYtWWevJuWOMQ8=LLizE3GsDp=GHda_AqA_at_mail.gmail.com>

Team Meteorite:

I found these compelling explanatory videos regarding aspects of
Curiosity's scientific and power functions while on Mars and believe
that many members will enjoy learning about these.

http://www.space.com/16856-mars-rover-curiosity-cameras-vision.html

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Curiosity rests tonight in Gale Crater (155km/96 mile diameter).
Nearby 'Mount Sharp' (5km/3 miles high) is the target destination.

Questions - Isn't Mt. Sharp the impact formed uplifted central peak of
Gale Crater? If so, why is it anticipated that water-formed minerals
formed around this paticular area but not typically around other
similar Mars crater central peaks?

That this craft successfully landed and seems operational is an
incredible accomplishment. How important? No other Mars landers are
currently planned or budgeted by NASA. I do read that the European
Space Agency is partnering with the Russians for a sample retrieval
mission before 2020.

The plutonium powering Curiosity should help it outlast the ongoing
mission of solar-paneled Opportunity, which roves still in Meridiani
Planum after more than eight years.

Pondering Mars during a rainy night from deep in the mangoes at Nine
Degrees North...

Kevin Kichinka
Santa Ana, Costa Rica
www.theartofcollectingmeteorites.com
Received on Tue 07 Aug 2012 12:29:26 AM PDT