PIA05326: The Mystery of the Sparkling Spheres
The Mystery of the Sparkling Spheres
Target Name: Mars
Is a satellite of: Sol (our sun)
Mission: Mars Exploration Rover (MER)
Spacecraft: Opportunity
Instrument: Microscopic Imager
Product Size: 1024 samples x 1024 lines
Produced By: JPL
Full-Res TIFF: PIA05326.tif (1.05 MB)
Full-Res JPEG: PIA05326.jpg (317.9 kB)

Click on the image to download a moderately sized image in JPEG format (possibly reduced in size from original).

Original Caption Released with Image:
This image, taken by the microscopic imager, an instrument located on the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity 's instrument deployment device, or "arm," reveals shiny, spherical objects embedded within the trench wall at Meridiani Planum, Mars. Scientists are highly intrigued by these objects and may further investigate them. The area in this image measures approximately 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across.
Image Credit:
NASA/JPL/USGS

Image Addition Date:
2004-02-19