NASA Curiosity rover captures dawn image over Martian wind-carved cliffs

Rover reaches new elevation milestone

The vehicle captured this scene while ascending Mount Sharp, having recently passed a point of 0.6 miles in elevation. This height represents the most ever climbed on Mars by the mission since landing in Gale Crater in 2012.

Scientists study ancient rock layers

The image displays bright craggy peaks that formed about three billion years ago from wind-blown sediment. Planetary scientist Ashwin Vasavada notes these ridges, called yardangs, span roughly 16 kilometers across the northwestern reaches of the mountain.

Future exploration targets distant crags

Mission scientists hope to reach the base of these cliffs sometime in 2027. They expect to obtain even more amazing imagery as the rover draws closer to the yardangs.