Countdown to curiosity.

[Galacticdefender]

Seconded.

Indeed, Pure Science must first exist if we are to apply that science, and create technology. And that technology will further advance pure science, so in other words space exploration is an endless cycle of awesome.

 

[Dave]

Based upon the old adage that fact is stranger than fiction science fiction could not possibly imagine what we will find on Mars.

So, is there anything interesting on Mars besides dirt, rocks and frozen water?

However, if that is the attitude then no pure science research would ever be undertaken.

Is there anything interesting down a telescope except stars and galaxies?
Is there anything interesting at CERN except subatomic particles?

Hey, why did we even bother to explore the Earth? It is mostly water with a few islands of dirt and rock anyway, and that mythical southern continent just turned out to be frozen water.

 

[mosaix]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21654308

Nasa's Curiosity Mars rover has been put into "safe mode" after a computer glitch caused by corrupted files.

 

[Harpo]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21340279

A rock crushed under the Curiosity Mars rover's wheels has dazzled mission scientists in more ways than one.

Mars is supposed to be the Red Planet, but the rock - dubbed "Tintina" - is a brilliant shade of white.

 

[Harpo]

If this comet hits, what are Curiosity's chances of survival?

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/26mar_marscomet/

 

[RJM Corbet]

If this comet hits, what are Curiosity's chances of survival?

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/26mar_marscomet/

These comets come from deep space. They're not predictable. There was one about ten years ago, in the sky over South Africa, a really impressive one, that lasted about a week, which no-one had predicted.

I mean, once they've got it logged, they can predict the trajectory pretty much, but they don't know when one's suddenly going to pop up.

So let's just hope we don't get one heading our own way ...

 

[Vertigo]

Chances are pretty good for Curiosities survival. Assuming it's not too close the the impact area. The biggest problem would be the sky being filled with dust which would take some time to settle. However with Curiosity being power by nuclear batteries she'll be better off than the Opportunity rover which relies on solar power.

They're still only giving it a 1 in 2000 chance of hitting. You're probably taking a greater chance everytime you cross the road. A very interesting near miss is far more likely.

 

[mosaix]

Some news re Curiosity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22402849

That's a stunning photo.

 

[mosaix]

Curiosity to start moving towards Mount Sharp soon.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22784635

"It's difficult to say exactly how long it will take. I'd hazard a guess that somewhere between 10 months and a year might be a fast pace."