NASA Mars rover reaches "Victoria Crater"

The Mars rover named Opportunity reached a long-anticipated destination today: the rim of "Victoria Crater," on the Meridiani Planum region of the red planet, on the rover's 951st Martian day, or sol (Sept. 26, 2006).

After the drive, the rover's navigation camera took the three exposures combined into this view of the crater's interior. This crater has been the mission's long-term destination for the past 21 Earth months.

BoingBoing reader Kevin Biegel, who points us to this news, says, "The big stereoscope picture is nothing less than breathtaking! There's even a crazy-cool rock outcropping cliff thing that looks like a giant head!!! Between this and the Virgin Galactic news and pictures today, this former Space Camper is very happy." Link

Previously: Mars Opportunity rover closing in on 'Victoria Crater'

Reader comment: Erica Petroff says,

On September 10th, as the Opportunity rover closed in on Victoria Crater, it was posted that the Victoria Crater was about six times bigger than the Endurance Crater, but the link you had to the NASA website (Link) said that the Victoria Crater was six times wider than the Endurace Crater, making it much much more than six times larger. That really only makes this extra exciting, but I thought you guys might want to know? Anyhow, thanks for keeping me updated and everything!