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Curiosity rover tracks on Mars, August 4, 2014

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August 6, 2014

Mars rover Curiosity's tracks in Mars' — Mars rover Curiosity’s tracks in Mars’ Hidden Valley. Image via NASA

This image from the Navigation Camera on NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover shows wheel tracks printed by the rover as it drove on the sandy floor of a lowland called “Hidden Valley.” Curiosity has been crossing this valley en route to its destination, the base of Mount Sharp, the central mountain in the Gale Crater.

The image was taken during the 709th Martian sol – Curiosity’s 709th day on Mars – aka Earth date August 4, 2014.

It was one day before the second anniversary, in Earth years, of Curiosity’s landing on Mars.

See a great video of Curiosity’s descent to Mars’ surface: 7 minutes of terror

News release from NASA celebrating Curiosity rover’s second anniversary on Mars.

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August 6, 2014

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.