Exploring Mars: Vera Rubin Ridge Mission Comes to an End as Curiosity Looks Towards the Future

As the winter solstice on Earth approaches and the days grow longer, the Vera Rubin Ridge mission on Mars is coming to a close. On sol 2276, the team plans to analyze a drill sample called “Rock Hall” using CheMin technology to shed light on its composition. ChemCam will also take measurements on bedrock targets “Auchenheath,” “Firth of Forth,” and “Port Charlotte,” capturing data across the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet to near infrared. Mastcam will provide color images of these targets and create a black and white mosaic of the large white vein “Hopetoun.”

In addition to these scientific observations, change detection images will be taken of targets “Fishertown” and “Luskentyre” to study movement in the Martian soil. Navcam will capture a series of images of dust devils on the Aeolis Palus plains to study atmospheric dust density, while Mastcam will observe the crater rim to study dust and aerosol scattering properties in the air.

As we enter 2019, Curiosity will look towards the clay flats to the south with a series of observations planned to study the Martian atmosphere and landscape. We eagerly anticipate more exciting scientific discoveries on Mars in 2019 as we welcome in a new year filled with possibilities.