As Curiosity rover continues its exploration of Mars, it will conduct a variety of environmental investigations to further our understanding of the Red Planet. These investigations will cover a range of topics, including atmospheric studies and subsurface water measurements.
For atmospheric studies, Curiosity will conduct REMS activities and use DAN for passive measurements of water in the subsurface. The rover will also examine the dust levels on its top surface and assess the current opacity of the atmosphere near the crater rim. Additionally, Curiosity will keep an eye out for dust devils during its mission. The rover has already captured some impressive images of dust devils in action, including a memorable one taken on sol 2847 over 1300 sols ago. If you want to see these dust devils in motion, you can watch a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8lfJ0c7WQ8.
Overall, there is no shortage of interesting and important tasks for Curiosity to complete as it continues its exploration of Mars. From studying the atmosphere and subsurface water to capturing images of dust devils, the rover’s investigations are advancing our understanding of the Red Planet and paving the way for future missions to Mars.
