MER@7

 
Wallpaper: Widescreen | 4:3 | Alternate version

Another year has passed and the Rovers just keep on going.

We might not of heard from Spirit since March 2010, but that doesn’t mean she’s not still with us. As a wise person once said “Never bet against Spirit“. Even while stuck she turned adversity into triumph with some unique discoveries about water processes on or more correctly below, the Martian surface.

On the other side of the red planet, Opportunity has continued to amaze us all with her journey across the dunes and rocks at Meridiani Planum. After a distance breaking year and just in time for Christmas, Opportunity (through her intrepid band of drivers and mission planners) has reached the (perhaps) final pit stop on this voyage, the crater known as Santa Maria. Here she will explore and rest until sometime in February before embarking on the big push towards Cape York on the shores of Endeavour Crater. 

Poster: Large 13.7mb | Medium 4.01mb | Small 762kb

Once again, to mark the passage of another year for the Mars Exploration Rovers, my good friend Stuart Atkinson and I have collaborated to create a new Poem/Poster (a ‘poemster’) which we hope you all enjoy.

The poster includes scenes from both Spirit’s and Opportunity’s adventures – see how many places you can name.

UPDATE – 24 January 2011
Stuart Atkinson has written probably one of his best works to date called Columbus’ Ghost. His words conjured up such great imagery, that it was just crying out for a poster version to be done. A fitting tribute to Opportunity’s journey and this brief encounter with Santa Maria crater.

Columbus’ Ghost Poster: Large 23.4mb | Medium 6.01mb | Small 851kb

Thanks again to everyone on the Mars Exploration Rover team – keep driving, keep exploring, keep dreaming!