On Sol 2474, the rover will park in front of an outcrop known as “Sandside Harbour” to investigate differences in the lighter and darker rock formations. The focus of the mission is to use the DRT, MAHLI, and APXS instruments to characterize the darker outcrop for comparison with previous measurements of the lighter portion. The day’s plan begins with Mastcam multispectral observations to analyze the two distinct sections of the outcrop, as well as a unique fin of bedrock at “Joppa Shore.” Mastcam will also document nearby stratigraphy at “North Minch” and an interesting green rock dubbed “Halkirk.” ChemCam will examine the chemistry of “Blackstones Bank” and “Essendy” to compare the darker and lighter portions of the outcrop. A large Mastcam mosaic of the “Sandside Harbour” outcrop is also planned.
The planning day was chaired by the SOWG, and due to a soliday on Saturday, only two sols are covered instead of the usual three. This soliday is being celebrated as the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, recognizing