NASA Mars Curiosity Rover Finally Arrives at Mount Sharp

NASA's Mars Curiosity rover continues its exploration of the Red Planet. Now, it's officially reached a major landmark: Mount Sharp. There, the rover will conduct further investigations that could shed light on the ancient history of this planet.

"Curiosity now will begin a new chapter from an already outstanding introduction to the world," said Jim Green, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, in a news release. "After a historic and innovative landing along with its successful science discoveries, the scientific sequel is upon us."

Curiosity will now begin a trek up Mount Sharp, which is about the size of Mount Rainier here on Earth. Located at the center of the vast Gale crater, it's been a longer-term prime destination for the rover. Curiosity will examine the mountain's lower slopes by entering near an outcrop called Pahrump Hills.

Curiosity actually reached its current location only after its route was modified earlier this year in response to excessive wheel wear. In late 2013, team members realized a region of Mars littered with sharp rocks was poking holes in four of the rover's six wheels. Needless to say, the team decided to alter the rover's course to bring it over smoother terrain.

"The wheels issue contributed to taking the rover farther south sooner than planned, but it is not a factor in the science-driven decision to start ascending here rather than continuing to Murray Buttes first," said Jennifer Trosper, Curiosity Deputy Project Manager. "We have been driving hard for many months to reach the entry point to Mount Sharp. Now that we've made it, we'll be adjusting the operations style from a priority on driving to a priority on conducting the investigations needed at each layer of the mountain."

Currently, the researchers plan to use Curiosity to continue to learn more about Mars and its past history, especially when it comes to investigating whether or not the Red Planet could support life at any time during its past.

Want to learn more about the rover? Check it out on the NASA website.