Which Martian feature was Spirit tasked to examine by driving toward the rim of Bonneville Crater?
Answer
Strata that might reveal sedimentary evidence of a lakebed.
Spirit landed in Gusev Crater based on orbital imagery suggesting ancient channels leading into it, leading scientists to hypothesize it was once a lake. Consequently, Spirit's immediate task was highly focused on gathering sedimentary evidence confirming this hypothesis. Specifically, it was directed to drive toward the rim of a nearby, smaller crater named Bonneville. The goal there was to examine the strata, or layers of rock, exposed on the rim, as these layers hold the chronological record of deposition. Finding sedimentary evidence within these rock layers would strongly support the theory that Gusev Crater once contained a stable body of standing water, like a lake.
Related Questions
What was the definitive proof sought by Spirit and Opportunity upon arrival in January 2004?Which Martian feature was Spirit tasked to examine by driving toward the rim of Bonneville Crater?What specific surface feature at Meridiani Planum prompted Opportunity's initial high-value inspection?For what duration was the official primary mission set for both Spirit and Opportunity in Martian sols?Which fundamental task relied on the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) instrument?What specific water-related minerals was the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) instructed to look for?What was the core physical routine sequence defined for Spirit when analyzing a rock sample?What implied *type* of water environment was Spirit seeking, contrasted with Opportunity's focus?What role did the thorough initial success of the rovers upgrade them to, moving beyond proof-of-concept explorers?What mineral, typically forming in water on Earth, was indicated by spectral data at Opportunity's landing site?