Curiosity Rover Captures Martian Cloud Shadows

NASA's Curiosity rover, currently exploring Mars, has been conducting atmospheric observations on Sols 4577-4579. Positioned in a trough on Mount Sharp, Curiosity is investigating boxwork structures, believed to be remnants of ancient groundwater flow. A planned frost-detection experiment was postponed due to a ChemCam issue, allowing more time for atmospheric studies.

Curiosity's navigation cameras captured cloud shadows moving over Aeolis Mons, helping scientists calculate cloud altitudes. The rover also imaged cloud motion at the zenith to determine wind direction. Mastcam created mosaics of the rover's workspace, focusing on targets like 'Copacabana' and 'Copiapo,' which may reveal past groundwater activity.

On Sol 4578, Curiosity took stereo mosaics of the trough using morning light, followed by a 25-meter drive. The rover's atmospheric studies continued with sky surveys and dust-devil monitoring. Future plans include resuming the frost-detection experiment as Curiosity explores the boxwork canyons.