Astrogeology Science Center
News
The Astrogeology Planetary Geologic Mapping Group and the Mars 2020 Rover: A Partnership Built on Bedrock
As the Perseverance rover speeds its way towards Mars, its Earth-based human counterparts have worked tirelessly to prepare for the rover’s arrival at the Red Planet on February 18, 2021. One of the critical steps in this process has been the preparation and publication of a geologic...
Curiosity Blogs: Sols 2999-3000: 3000 Sols of Exploration!
3000 sols and never a dull moment!
Try these tips for using the Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL)
A Valuable Resource
USGS and JPL Release New Geologic Map of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing Site
Mineral first identified in lunar meteorite named after former USGS Astrogeology Scientist
First identified in a meteorite found in Africa in 2014, the calcium-aluminum silicate mineral has been named in honor of lunar geologist and USGS Astrogeology alumnus Dr. Don E. Wilhelms.
Curiosity Blogs: Sol 2958: Digesting a long weekend full of data
While many in the U.S. spent the long weekend resting and giving thanks, Curiosity was hard at work investigating rocky outcrops and driving back to the path that we’ve planned to ascend Mt. Sharp.
USGS Astrogeology Embraces Virtual STEM Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Throughout the years, the USGS Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) has maintained active Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and outreach programs. Rather than pausing STEM education and outreach activities during this time, the ASC has gone virtual, and adapted the development and delivery of STEM resources to the ‘new normal’ of 2020.
Curiosity Blogs: Sol 2942-2944: How much do you bench?
Yesterday’s drive brought us right up to a beautiful outcrop of layered rocks at “Stop 6” of our campaign to study the benches in this area, so we will spend the weekend doing everything we can to understand this outcrop.
Curiosity Blogs: Sols 2931-2932: Stop and Go
Curiosity is on the road to the sulfate unit, but there are always stops on a road trip. The drive did not finish in the weekend plan, so today’s plan will include re-sequencing that drive. However, the operations team always keeps going and they created an impressive plan that includes contact science, remote science, and a drive.
Curiosity Blogs: Sol 2925: Maybole, up close and personal
The short drive or "bump" that was planned for Sol 2924 went well, placing the rover on a relatively steep slope right next to the Maybole outcrop. Every time we prepare to deploy MSL's arm, the risk of the wheels slipping due to the change in the vehicle's center of gravity must be assessed.
Dr. Sherman Shou-Chou Wu Remembered
Dr. Sherman Shou-Chou Wu, a revered pioneer in the field of planetary photogrammetry and topographic mapping, passed away at the age of 92 on August 22, 2020. He was a long-term employee at Astrogeology Science Center and remembered for his amazing contributions.
Curiosity Blogs: Sols 2921-2923: On the Road Again!
We are finally planning to drive away after finishing up at the Groken drill hole location, so it was an exciting planning day for me as SOWG Chair.