Scientists have found clues about the nature of martian soil through analyzing wheel marks from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit in this image released January 16, 2004. The image was taken by Spirit's rear hazard-identification camera just after the rover drove approximately 1 meter (3 feet) northwest off the Columbia Memorial Station (lander platform) early Thursday morning. That the wheel tracks are shallow indicates the soil has plenty of strength to support the moving rover. The well-defined track characteristics suggest the presence of very fine particles in the martian soil (along with

• Contributor: UPI / Alamy Stock Photo
• Image ID: W0KR97
• File size: 11.4 MB (251.8 KB Compressed download)
• Releases: Model - no | Property - no
• Dimensions: 2000 x 2000 px | 33.9 x 33.9 cm | 13.3 x 13.3 inches | 150dpi
• Date taken: 16 January 2004
• Photographer: NASA/JPL

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This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.

Scientists have found clues about the nature of martian soil through analyzing wheel marks from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit in this image released January 16, 2004. The image was taken by Spirit's rear hazard-identification camera just after the rover drove approximately 1 meter (3 feet) northwest off the Columbia Memorial Station (lander platform) early Thursday morning. That the wheel tracks are shallow indicates the soil has plenty of strength to support the moving rover. The well-defined track characteristics suggest the presence of very fine particles in the martian soil (along with larger particles). Scientists also think the soil may have some cohesive properties. (UPI Photo/NASA/JPL)