NASA Shows Off Out-of-This-World Selfie From Mars Rover
By RJ Johnson - @rickerthewriter
February 4, 2018
This self-portrait of NASA's Curiosity Mars rover shows the vehicle on Vera Rubin Ridge, which it's been investigating for the past several months. Poking up just behind Curiosity's mast is Mount Sharp, photobombing the robot's selfie. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
A new self-portrait of NASA's Mars rover, Curiosity is turning heads as the ultimate selfie. The vehicle can be seen on Vera Rubin Ridge where it has spent the last several months making its way to the Gale Crater's rim, which can be seen in the horizon of the shot.
A small self-focusing camera, attached to the end of Curiosity's arm took the selfies. Dozens of photos were stitched together to create the stunning mosaic.
Directly behind the rover in the photo is its next stop - a clay-rich slope of dirt and soil that scientists are eager to begin exploring with Curiosity's instruments.
The car-sized rover has been exploring Mars since 2012, investigating Martian climate and geology, as well as the role of water on the planet. On August 5th, 2017, NASA celebrated the fifth anniversary of Curiosity.
Another lander is scheduled to head for Mars in May. Named InSight, the lander will explore the "inner-space" of Mars, studying the crust, mantle and core of the red planet.