Dawn on Mars as Seen by Curiosity (3 Photos)
Bluish rocks catch the light in the foreground while distant cliffs are already bathed in morning sun. This is dawn on the slopes of Mount Sharp as captured by Curiosity, where wind has carved the horizon's ridges into striking shapes. 
Detail of Curiosity's panorama taken on August 11, 2026. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.
The panorama was assembled from six Mastcam images taken on August 11, 2026, at around 8:30 a.m. local time. Standard white balance adjustments were bypassed to preserve the authentic morning look of the landscape. 
Full panorama assembled from six Mastcam images. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.
These elongated rock ridges are known as yardangs. Extending across the mountain's northwestern slope for roughly 16 kilometers, this layer stands out for its distinct color and strangely tilted rock strata—though its origins have yet to be determined.
One theory suggests the formations consist of ancient volcanic ash sculpted over time by wind. Scientists hope to navigate the rover to the base of these cliffs in 2027 to analyze the rock using instruments mounted on its robotic arm.
Curiosity has been ascending Mount Sharp since 2014, climbing a full kilometer in elevation so far. Along its route, the rover continues to study rocks that bear traces of ancient lakes and streams. 
The floor of Gale Crater, photographed by Curiosity on September 5, 2026, after gaining one kilometer in elevation. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.
