NASA Mars Rover Opportunity Update: January 4-9, 2013

OPPORTUNITY UPDATE: Heading Toward Light-Toned Veins – sols 3181-3186, Jan. 4, 2013-Jan. 9, 2013:

Opportunity is on the inboard edge of “Cape York” on the rim of Endeavour Crater at the local region called “Matijevic Hill.” The rover completed the in-situ (contact) analysis at the location called “Copper Cliff.”

On Sol 3182 (Jan. 5, 2013), the rover departed Copper Cliff and drove approximately 43 feet (13 meters) towards a location near “Whitewater Lake.” The intention is to position the rover near a previously seen light-toned vein for in-situ analysis. On Sol 3185 (Jan. 8, 2013), Opportunity bumped closer to the intended target with a small 8.5 feet (2.6-meter) move. A final bump into position for the vein investigation is planned for Sol 3187 (Jan. 10, 2013).

As of Sol 3186 (Jan. 9, 2013), the solar array energy production was 509 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.01 and a solar array dust factor of 0.620.

Total odometry is 22.03 miles (35454.23 meters).