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Pancam multispectral imaging results from the Opportunity Rover at Meridiani Planum
J F Bell1, S W Squyres, R E Arvidson
1Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853, USA. jfb8@cornell.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 4, 2004
Summary
The Mars Exploration Rover
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Mineralogy
Background:
- Meridiani Planum exhibits a low-albedo, flat, and largely rock-free surface.
- Higher albedo laminated outcrop rocks are present within and around impact craters and fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize the surface geology and mineralogy of Meridiani Planum.
- Analyze the composition of fine-grained materials and outcrop rocks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images.
- Spectroscopic analysis of surface materials.
- Observation of atmospheric dust opacity and astronomical phenomena.
Main Results:
- Identified dark sand, bright ferric iron-rich dust, rock clasts, and spheroidal granules.
- Spectra indicate mafic silicates (pyroxene, olivine) in sand and clasts.
- Spectra reveal crystalline ferric oxides/oxyhydroxides in spherules and outcrop materials.
- Observed a decline in atmospheric dust opacity and captured solar transits and sunsets.
Conclusions:
- The surface of Meridiani Planum is composed of diverse materials, including mafic silicates and ferric iron compounds.
- Erosion of laminated rocks contributes to the formation of spheroidal granules.
- Atmospheric and astronomical observations provide context for surface processes.
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