Mars Updates - Part 2

Hey Space Placers!

I actually have TWO items to add to this update from my 3/24/15 blog.

One is that Mars Rover Opportunity just finished the 1st ever MARATHON on Mars as stated by NASA, "by driving  26.219 miles (42.195 kilometers) -- with a finish time of roughly 11 years and two months." 

NASA

A Red Planet Record that will last for some time as NASA's other Rover Curiosity has a LONG way to go in terms of time and distance to meet and beat Oppie's record.

Meanwhile in orbit around Mars NASA's newest mission to the Red Planet, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft,  as stated by NASA, " has observed two unexpected phenomena in the Martian atmosphere: an unexplained high-altitude dust cloud and aurora that reaches deep into the Martian atmosphere".

Artist's Conception of Mars Aurora
NASA

These discoveries only further heighten scientists' interest in the Red Planet's atmosphere.

One thing is for sure, Mars will continue to amaze and surprise us.

Sky Guy in VA