Dusty Mars magnet enters the housekeeping programme
NASA’s Curiosity rover inspected a dusty Mars magnet after 4,536 sols. That wait makes the average kitchen fridge look recklessly supervised.
The magnet sits on the cover of the rover’s MAHLI camera. Scientists study its dust pattern to check whether the cover opened correctly. Therefore, even looking at a Martian rock requires evidence that somebody remembered the lens cap.
Meanwhile, the rover moved its arm and watched the atmosphere. It also prepared for a drive of about 21 metres. This counts as a productive morning on another planet and three excellent weeks in a British office.
“The dust is not mess. It is operational data,” explained Dr Felicity Crumb, Director of Interplanetary Wiping. “Anyone carrying a damp cloth will take the next rocket home. Sadly, that service has no timetable.”
However, officials at the Martian Office of Minor Surfaces welcomed the inspection. They immediately opened a consultation on whether to call the magnet dusty, dust-adjacent or naturally furnished.
Curiosity then continued its journey with mechanical patience. After all, its instructions come from people who lose their phones while holding them. The magnet stayed put and attracted more iron-rich dust.
Finally, the mission confirmed two great truths. Mars remains scientifically extraordinary. Also, no workplace sits so far away that somebody cannot schedule a cover inspection.
Read the real story: NASA’s Curiosity update on the dusty Martian magnets.
