Residents of the northern hemisphere of the Earth enjoy spring warmth, and in the meantime on Mars the Opportunity rover also “celebrates” the end of winter. If the March weather brings joy and good mood to people, then it ensures efficient operation of solar batteries for the rover: electricity generation has now increased by as much as 70% compared to January.
Having traveled 10 years in the Martian regoliths (loose surface soils), Opportunity has repeatedly hit sandstorms, which gradually covered the solar panels with an opaque layer of dust. But over the past half a month the wind and air turbulence twice cleaned the reddish sand from their surface, which significantly improved the absorption of sunlight. In addition, spring has come to the southern hemisphere of Mars, and the sun rises above the horizon. All this provided the six-wheeled vehicle with a good energy supply: now it produces 0, 615 kilowatts of electricity per hour. “Cleansing events” happened to “Opportunity” more than once: thanks to them, the work of the rover lasts for many years instead of the planned 90 days (Martian days). The “sister” Mars rover “Spirit”, which failed in 2010, did the same “cleaning” more than once.
The above image was taken with a navigation camera (“Hazcam”), necessary to ensure safety while driving. It is clearly visible slope McClure-Beverlina - the western edge of the crater Endeavor, as well as the long evening shadow of the rover itself. The mission is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, California). The device, which has already become a veteran in the studies of the red planet, is currently engaged in the study of rocks, which will help to recreate the full picture of the geological history of Mars.
