During the next couple weeks, NASA's Mars rover Opportunity is likely to reach the rim of a crater wider and deeper than any it has visited; known as "Victoria," it is approximately half a mile wide and 230 feet deep. Examination of the rocks exposed in the walls of the crater are expected to greatly increase the understanding of past conditions on Mars and the role of water.
NASA's Mars rover Opportunity is closing in on what may be the grandest overlook and richest science trove of its long mission.
During the next week or so, the robotic geologist is likely to reach the rim of a hole in the Martian surface wider and deeper than any it has visited. The crater, known as "Victoria," is approximately half a mile wide and 230 feet deep.