One of the best things about NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers are the amazing scenic photographs they send us from Mars. These photos give scientists a better view of our red neighbor and are also just cool to see. The latest image from Curiosity is a gorgeous panorama taken from Mars’ Mount Sharp region, and it’s an instant classic.
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The photo, which NASA posted on Dec. 30, is located along a ridge on the foothills of Mount Sharp, a 3-mile-high mountain that Curiosity has been slowly climbing since 2014. The mountain is smack dab in the middle of Gale Crater, and the photo is looking down the slope toward the crater’s floor. You can also see the rim of the crater in the background of the photo.
Curiosity was in the vicinity to collect more samples from a nearby spot known as Nevado Sajama. Eagle-eyed viewers may also see Curiosity’s tracks, which lead back to the Valle de la Luna dig site. Valle de la Luna shares its name with two Earth landmarks that are also known for their unique rocky structures that were carved out by wind and water erosion.
