NASA Mars Rover looks out for 'Lookout Hill'

NASA's Perseverance rover, affectionately known as Percy, has achieved a new milestone on Mars. After completing its 30th abrasion on a rock patch named Rio Chiquito, Percy is now headed towards Witch Hazel Hill and Lookout Hill.

On November 20, 2024 (Sol 1334 of the Mars 2020 mission), Perseverance captured an image of the Rio Chiquito abrasion patch using its SHERLOC WATSON camera, mounted on the rover's robotic arm. This image was taken at 16:18:39 local mean solar time.

Following a brief Thanksgiving break, the rover team resumed operations, using various instruments like SCAM, ZCAM, SHERLOC, and PIXL to analyze the Rio Chiquito rock. The collected data aims to enhance our understanding of the geological history of Jezero Crater, a primary scientific interest area.

Looking Ahead to Lookout Hill

Per NASA reports, Percy's next destination is Witch Hazel Hill. On the way, it will pass by 'Lookout Hill,' the highest point on the crater rim, providing stunning views of Jezero Crater's interior and surrounding landscape. Although the rover’s route is mostly covered in regolith with few rock outcrops, the science team will continue to monitor progress and conduct remote observations of distant formations.

The team is particularly excited about Lookout Hill for its potential to offer unique insights into Jezero’s topography from a high vantage point. They eagerly await the data and images Percy will collect as it approaches these geologically significant areas.