Mars’ Rover Curiosity to Conclude Activities in Glasgow with Revolutionary Science Plan

Mars’ rover Curiosity is set to finish up its activities in Glasgow on Sunday with a packed science plan. The rover will be using Mastcam and Navcam to observe the movement of sand and dust on the Martian surface, providing valuable insights into the formation and erosion of Mars’ sand dunes over its long history. In addition, the APXS instrument will be monitoring the atmosphere by analyzing trace amounts of argon in the air. With Mars’ unique climate causing fluctuations in argon levels in the atmosphere, this data will help scientists understand the planet’s seasonal changes.

One of the most exciting aspects of Curiosity’s science plan is a rare move: conducting a ChemCam observation known as a “passive sky.” The instrument will be used to study the atmosphere without its laser, allowing scientists to track changes in gases such as water vapor and dust as the seasons change on Mars. This data will be crucial for detecting any potential storms that may arise as the rover enters the dusty season on Mars.

The team behind Curiosity is thrilled about this opportunity to gather valuable data that will further our understanding of the Martian environment. As they prepare to wrap up their activities in Glasgow, they look forward to what lies ahead for this remarkable mission on the red planet.