Curiosity on the Move...

Curiosity is making tracks on Mars, heading for some rocks to explore even while still in the process of checking out all its science instruments.  The news continues to be all good for the nuclear-powered rover.  The volume of high quality imagery being sent back by Curiosity is stunning when compared to all the many other robotic exploration missions I've watched over the years.  This is primarily due to two factors: the amazing number of cameras Curiosity carries (it seems like they're everywhere!), and the high bandwidth it has (thanks to the orbiting relay stations around Mars) to send them back home.  A visit to the Curiosity site is part of my morning routine, just to catch up on the latest finds. 

Anyone as old as I remembers that not so long ago people were arguing over whether there were structures (like “canals”) on Mars.  It wasn't until the first “fly by” missions to Mars that that question was put to bed.  Much more recently, the very first (and very primitive) landers started setting down on Mars.  These returned tantalizing views in a few photos, and a little science data.  Fast forward to today, with Curiosity dashing about: the images are pouring in, they're of high quality (and many in color), and an array of varied science instruments is studying features down to the microscopic level.  What an amazing advance in a relatively short time!