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While it sat on the edge of the 430-foot wide depression, Opportunity
rover took a sweeping perspective shot of the 180-degree crater
carved into the surface of Mars. Plans were made to circumnavigate
the 1,350-foot perimeter of the crater and if possible get a closer
look at the firsthand rocks that could hold the link to a wetter
past on Mars.
Researchers stated the main issue would be getting the rover out
once it circled the perimeter of the crater.
When the rover arrived to the crater called "Endurance Crater,"
it began to take several shots of the rocky walls and dune-covered
floor. Researchers were most excited to view the geologic units
that lied even deeper than those of Eagle crater, where the Opportunity
landed back in January.
Scientists stated that the Eagle crater outcrop had been created
in water and they were now curious to find out if this were the
case for the deeper and older rocks in Endurance. Members of the
mission planned to test the soil and assess the steepness of its
slopes by having the Opportunity "toe dip" at various
spots around the crater’s rim.
On the other side of Mars, Opportunity’s twin continued along
its journey to a far-off cluster of hills and just finished its
most extensive one-day drive to date, covering distances just short
of 305 feet. Its mission was to find geologic evidence of past water
on the now arid and dusty planet.
USA
Today May 4, 2004
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