Drive Direction

         This mosaic was acquired by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity on Sol 448 (April 28, 2005).   The name "Drive Direction" here is a misnomer, since 37 sols went by before the next significant drive. This image was taken in the direction of the team's desired future drives, while Opportunity sat with her wheels stuck in Purgatory Dune. The images span about 30 degrees, and are only half of the height of a typical Pancam frame. Pancam's 753nm, 535nm, and 432nm filters were used in making this mosaic.  Two versions are provided at full resolution: an approximate true color rendering, and a false color rendering which enhances the subtle color differences in the scene.

Jim Bell
Pancam Instrument Lead
December 22, 2008