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Pasadena CA (JPL) Feb 04, 2011 Opportunity has entered the solar conjunction period. Solar conjunction is the period when communications between Earth and Mars are disrupted because the Sun is directly in between the two planets. The last communication with the rover was on Sol 2496 (Jan. 31, 2011). The next communication is not expected until around Feb. 7, 2011. Opportunity has a complete set of sequences on board to carry her through the conjunction period. Daily, multi-hour spectra will be collected by the moessbauer (MB) spectrometer which is positioned on the surface target Luis de Torres. A single alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) atmospheric argon measurement will be performed on Sol 2504 (Feb. 8, 2011). Just before the conjunction blackout, Opportunity collected a set of 13-filter panoramic camera (Pancam) images of surrounding targets. As of Sol 2496 (Jan. 31, 2011), solar array energy production was 524 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.07 and a solar array dust factor of 0.625. Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).
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Rover Conducting Science At Crater RimPasadena CA (JPL) Jan 28, 2011 Opportunity is in position for solar conjunction at the southeast rim of the 80-meter (262-foot) diameter Santa Maria crater. The southeast region of the rim shows evidence for hydrated sulfate minerals. Opportunity is positioned near a bright surface target called "Luis de Torres," and has begun the planned in-situ (contact) surface since campaign that will continue through solar conjunct ... read more |
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