Curiosity sleeps as solar blast races toward Mars

[bananas]

Source: Associated Press

Curiosity hunkered down after the sun unleashed a blast that raced toward Mars.

While the hardy rover was designed to withstand punishing space weather, its handlers decided to power it down as a precaution since it suffered a recent computer problem.

<snip>

Since its instruments are turned off, it can't use its radiation sensor to track the solar particles.

"It's just bad timing," Cook said.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/curiosity-sleeps-solar-blast-races-toward-mars-195607889.html

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Too bad the radiation sensors are off, it would have been a good opportunity to see how much protection the atmosphere provides from solar flares.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

1. It STILL hasn't reached that dark patch....

Ever go on a road trip with someone who has to stop every fifteen minutes?

I have to pee! I'm thirsty! I'm hungry! I have to pee again! Well, this is worse because they are stopping every few feet to look all around and every little SPECK is treated like it's the subject of a term paper. It feels like trying to learn about earth by examining the tiles one at a time in someone's kitchen with a magnifying glass.

[Poll_Blind]

2. What dark patch?

?

PB

[Spitfire of ATJ]

3. It's a weird series of dunes not far from the landing site....