Missoula Crater on Mars
Scroll right to see the
rocks,
craters, and
hills that were in view for the
Spirit rover
last week as it continued its trek across
Mars.
Missoula
crater, taking up much of the
above frame, appeared from orbit to have ejecta from
Bonneville crater inside it.
Upon closer inspection, however, Spirit finds only evidence for
wind-blown drifts.
The rocks show numerous
blisters and small
cavities that may have occurred as
ancient water vapor
evaporated from hot cooling
lava.
Columbia Hills in the distance is now planned as the ultimate destination for the Spirit rover.
Both of the Mars rovers have now
successfully completed their original mission
and are now exploring topical opportunities.