Oct 182018
Mars is now falling significantly behind us as the Earth continues its quicker orbit around the Sun. Although we will never see Mars in a crescent phase from our viewpoint, we have pulled far enough ahead to view Mars somewhat from the side. This is the reason Mars does not appear round in this image; we can now only see 86% of the daytime side of the planet.
 Mars[(V)TR/TG/TB:1050×2.7ms] |
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Still no communication from our rover Opportunity. NASA reports that the Martian atmosphere at the rover’s location has returned to normal conditions. JPL is still hopeful that the rover can be recovered and they continue to listen and periodically transmit a “give us a call” command.
The matching map and orientation graphic are courtesy of WinJUPOS.