Backslope

        This mosaic was acquired by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity on Sol 1423 (January 24, 2008).  While doing some work with the instruments on the robotic arm on a target in the lower part of the Lyell layer, named for Scottish geologist Charles Lyell, Opportunity's Pancam cameras took a look back upslope toward the rim behind the rover and acquired this mosaic. Visible is one of the Lyell Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) holes examined previously, as well as some tracks and a cobble. The Lyell layer is the third and lowest identified stratigraphic layer so far; Steno (named for Danish geologist Nicolas Steno) and Smith (named for English geologist William Smith) were examined on the way downslope. Pancam's 753nm, 535nm, and 432nm filters were used in this mosaic.  Two versions are available below at full resolution: an approximate true color rendering, and a false color stretch to enhance the subtle color differences in the scene.

Jim Bell
Pancam Instrument Lead
July 16, 2008