Mars is currently experiencing a huge dust storm that hasstopped the operationsof the Opportunity rover . The rubble storm is so massive that it has blocked out the Sun and sent the solar - power golem into low - power mode . Opportunity is gestate to make a full recovery . Curiosity is also trapped in the dust storm , but being nuclear - powered it is less bothered by the dramatic event .
The wanderer has continued to snap pictures and send them to Earth . Citizen scientistSean Doranwas capable to quickly render a composite ikon into a classical “ Curiosity selfie ” to show the gondola - sized scouter deep within the dust tempest .
If the name Sean Doran sounds familiar , it is potential due to his unbelievable study withpicturesfrom Jupiter take from the Juno spacecraft . His invaluable work has produced incredible image from many corners of the Solar System . The raw images need by Curiosity can be found on theMars Science Laboratory page .
The dust storm at its maximum extent cover about one - poop of the planet . Seasonal dust storms are one of the many atmospherical features we have discovered thanks to the many observatories we have placed around the Red Planet . On Mars , junk plays an important role in determine the temperature of the planet . The dust absorbs sunlight more than “ uncontaminating ” gentle wind , so it heats up faster . This temperature difference of opinion make convection in the standard atmosphere , with down winds moving on the boundary of the rubble tempest .
Since 1997 , researchers have find several major storms . Twice , the entire planet ended up being spread over completely in a dust storm . Dust storms are not as striking as the one portrayed in the opening ofThe Martian , but they can still damage our probes and Lander .
Curiosity is presently explore the middle of Gale Crater , studying the soil and careen as it lento climbs one of the more intriguing features in the crater , Mount Sharp . Observations conducted by the rover have latterly confirmed some exciting news about the Red Planet : Mars hasorganic materialsin rocks below its surface . These molecule are not a sure indication of aliveness , but make it a bit more probable for lifeforms to have acquire when Mars was still water - rich .
