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.