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Pancam multispectral imaging results from the opportunity Rover at Meridiani Planum

January 1, 2004

Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images from Meridiani Planum reveal a low-albedo, generally flat, and relatively rock-free surface. Within and around impact craters and fractures, laminated outcrop rocks with higher albedo are observed. Fine-grained materials include dark sand, bright ferric iron-rich dust, angular rock clasts, and millimeter-size spheroidal granules that are eroding out of the laminated rocks. Spectra of sand, clasts, and one dark plains rock are consistent with mafic silicates such as pyroxene and olivine. Spectra of both the spherules and the laminated outcrop materials indicate the presence of crystalline ferric oxides or oxyhydroxides. Atmospheric observations show a steady decline in dust opacity during the mission. Astronomical observations captured solar transits by Phobos and Deimos and time-lapse observations of sunsets.

Publication Year 2004
Title Pancam multispectral imaging results from the opportunity Rover at Meridiani Planum
DOI 10.1126/science.1105245
Authors J.F. Bell, S. W. Squyres, R. E. Arvidson, H.M. Arneson, D. Bass, W. Calvin, W. H. Farrand, W. Goetz, M. Golombek, R. Greeley, J. Grotzinger, E. Guinness, A. G. Hayes, M.Y.H. Hubbard, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, M. J. Johnson, J. R. Johnson, J. Joseph, K.M. Kinch, M.T. Lemmon, R. Li, M.B. Madsen, J.N. Maki, M. Malin, E. McCartney, S. McLennan, H.Y. McSween, D. W. Ming, R.V. Morris, E.Z. Noe Dobrea, T. J. Parker, J. Proton, J. W. Rice, F. Seelos, J.M. Soderblom, Laurence A. Soderblom, J. N. Sohl-Dickstein, R.J. Sullivan, C.M. Weitz, M.J. Wolff
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science
Index ID 70026192
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Astrogeology Science Center