World Report: October 6, 2006 Vol. 12 Iss. 6
- This Issue:
- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
- Cover Story - Spanish Version
- Mini-Lesson
- Comprehension Quiz
- Teacher's Guide and Worksheets
Brand-New Views from Mars
New images from Mars last week gave scientists a better understanding of the mysterious Red Planet. NASA's Mars rover Opportunity reached the rim of Victoria Crater, marking a major milestone in Opportunity's mission to explore Mars. The rover was scheduled for a three-month mission when it arrived in January 2004. But, to scientists' surprise, it has continued to explore and send back images.
The six-wheeled vehicle took 21 months to reach the crater, which is a half-mile wide and 230 feet deep. The rover beamed black-and-white images back to Earth. "This is a geologist's dream," says NASA scientist Steve Squyres.
Scientists hope that Opportunity will enter the vast crater. "Those layers of rock will tell us new stories about environmental conditions long ago," says Squyres.
The European Space Agency's Mars Express Orbiter also sent close-up views of a face-shaped rock formation. Since the face was first seen in 1976, it has fueled theories about intelligent life on Mars. But the clear photos taken by Orbiter show only a raised surface like others in the area. "The face remains a figment of human imagination," says the agency.
