That’s One Dusty Rover!
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No wonder the power getting to the little Mars Rover Spirit is reduced! I keep reading about it, well the picture on the left, taken by Spirit’s panoramic camera between October 26 and 29, 2007, removes all doubt about what they are talking about. You almost can’t even see the rover at all, let alone the solar panels — I am amazed the thing runs at all! Compare that to the image on the right, which is the same view and was taken on Sol 586 (August 27, 2005). Both images above are clickable so you can get larger versions if you desire.
Here is a link to the press release for this image and there is a link to the story behind the image on right too.
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell
Note: Should I disappear for a day or two, it just means I don’t have power and/or internet due to the storm, I’ll be back.
Wow! I had no idea! Have to admire Spirit’s tenacity, all things considered!
[...] That’s One Dusty Rover! By Tom Compare that to the image on the right, which is the same view and was taken on Sol 586 (August 27, 2005). Both images above are clickable so you can get larger versions if you desire. Here is a link to the press release for this image … Tom’s Astronomy Blog – http://tomsastroblog.com [...]
Wow ! Like you, Tom, I’d heard that the Rovers were dusty. But I had no idea to what extent.
Perhaps next time they’ll install wipers on the panels.
Wow seems to be the word. It reminds me of one of those stingrays that burrow just under the sand so you can barely tell they are there.
Keep yer warm booties on, Tom.
NASA has had this problem before with the Rovers. Is there any way to get the dust off the panels? Can they be tilted or shook? Or do they just live with it?
This seems to have been something overlooked by the design team. A critical system defeated by dust on a planet surface most notable for its…
dusty conditions. As my granpa would say…SNAFU.
I guess you’re right, Mr. Happy.
On the other hand, we must remember the MER mission was only expected to last three months and the mission is now measured in years! So all-in-all I’d say this is anything but a SNAFU. However you can bet mission managers are looking at this for future missions.
Forgot about that little detail; a three month mission! The Rovers are definitely doing good!
[...] tilt allows the sunlight to strike the dusty solar panels at a higher angle resulting in a higher power output; and the tilt has made a difference boosting [...]