Sol 2591: Characterizing Bedrock at Central Butte

Curiosity is continuing her exploration of Central Butte, focusing on characterizing the lithology of ledge-forming rocks in this area. The Sol 2591 plan includes several ChemCam observations of “Ard Neakie” to assess a gray fractured zone, “Glen Doll” to characterize more typical bedrock adjacent to the fractured zone, and “Isle Ristol” to assess vertical changes in chemistry. The plan involves a lot of contact science as well, including APXS and a MAHLI full suite on “Glen Doll” and “Ard Neakie,” and a DRT, MAHLI full suite and overnight APXS on “Muckle Flugga” to characterize the bedrock at this location. The Geology theme group also planned a Mastcam mosaic of “Muckle Flugga” and documentation of the ChemCam targets. The plan also includes typical DAN and REMS observations and a Navcam atmospheric movie. I’m looking forward to seeing the results from all of the great contact science!

Written by Lauren Edgar, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center