A closer look at "Sputnik" crater by Opportunity?

[exoscientist]

In this thread on bautforum.com I speculated the feature called "Sputnik" crater might be a volcanic vent:<br /><br />A volcanic fissure at Victoria crater?<br />http://bautforum.com/showpost.php?p=852014&postcount=39<br /><br /> It's the roundish feature below and to the left of the "Duck Bay" label in these annotated Hirise images:<br /><br />http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/gallery/press/opportunity/20061006c/rover-color-close-up2-annot_br.jpg<br /><br />http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/gallery/press/opportunity/20061006c/rover-red-close-up_annot.jpg<br /><br /> Opportunity is headed back to Duck Bay as a possible entry point into Victoria crater. Perhaps the rover could take a look at Sputnik first before entering Victoria.<br /><br /><br /> Bob Clark <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[3488]

Hi Bob,<br /><br />Thank you very much for this.<br /><br />I did wonder myself.<br /><br />From the Oppy shot it looks more of a fissure. If Oppy is returning to Duck Bay,<br />then perhaps a sol or two may not go amiss, with Oppy, imaging & ratting the small crater & <br />outcrops & determining if basalt is present.<br /><br />Interesting.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

I don't believe either rover has the abilty to RAT anymore, as the grinders are worn off.<br /><br />They can brush with the rat tool, which does remove the surface dust. <br /><br />It should be called the RBT now <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> (rotary brushing tool ) <br /><br />That might be sufficient to detrmine composition. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[heyscottie]

Might as well -- it's RIGHT there.<br /><br />In any case, I expect they'll spend quite a few days at the top of Duck Bay getting a more precise idea of a path they want to take down. I expect some opportunistic observations of Sputnik will take place, if nothing else.

 

[3488]

Hi there MeteorWayne & heyscottie.<br /><br />I thought the RAT on Oppy still worked?? Could be wrong. I know the one on Spirit <br />has worn out, due to ratting many more basaltic volcanic rocks at Gusev.<br /><br />Mind you the brushing tool is very effective at removing the outer 'rind' as you said.<br /><br />The Meridiani sedimentary rocks seem to be softer on the whole. I could be wrong here though too.<br /><br />True, Oppy is right there. I would like a serious investigation be made into Sputnik<br />Crater however.<br /><br />If indeed proven to be volcanic, than this is an important first. The<br />first time ever that we have seen into a volcanic crater from the surface on another<br />planetary body other than Earth.<br /><br />IIRC we have not even managed that on the Moon. IIRC the Hadley Rille, Apollo 15 & the Orange<br />Soil site at Apollo 17 would be the closest things.<br /><br />I would suspect that it predates Victoria Crater. If not, why did the magma not<br />burst through the crater floor, exploiting weaknesses after the impact that created Victoria??<br /><br />Unless there is basalt hidden under that large feild of dunes on the floor?<br /><br />This is most interesting (mind you, I would say that being a bit of a volcano head).<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

I am not sure of the status of Oppy's RAT, still searching.... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Actually Oppy WAS right there, now it has moved beyond.<br />I doubt they'd backtrack, probably be more interested in finding a way in to Victoria, as there's much to be learned by examining things at depth.<br />Depth=time <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />However is Duck Bay the route they're looking at to go down?<br />If so, that might make sense.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Here's something from Jan 12th 2007:<br /><br />Also on sol 1049, Opportunity performed additional diagnostic tests of the grinding motor that operates the rock abrasion tool. All signs point to a failed encoder. Rover handlers must now invent a new strategy for using the brush and grinder that does not rely on the encoder to sense when the device comes into contact with a rock surface. Team members anticipate they will be able to use the rock abrasion tool again in a few weeks. <br /><br />Mid March:<br />Sol 1109: Opportunity conducted a rock abrasion tool (RAT) grind test,<br /><br />Sol 1112 (March 11, 2007): On this sol, Opportunity conducted another RAT grind test<br />On sol 1112 Opportunity performed another test of RAT (rock abrasion tool) grind operations. The test indicated the need to circumvent a portion of the flight software which is still trying to use the RAT's failed encoder. The "patch" will be up-linked and tested this weekend.<br /><br /><br />sol 1126-1130, April 03, 2007: Looking For an 'In'<br />Opportunity is healthy and working on obtaining a long baseline stereo image of the bay "Valley without Peril."<br /><br />On Sol 1128 a test of a work around for the failed RAT (rock abrasion tool) grind encoder was successful. A temporary software addition allows the rover to bypass a check that was causing it to fail.<br /><br /><font color="yellow"> Unrelated but interesting: </font><br />sol 1164-1170, May 24, 2007: Opportunity Turns Up the Amps<br />Opportunity's electrical supply returned to levels not seen since the rover first arrived on Mars. Peak electrical current from the rover's solar arrays climbed above 4.0 amps and remained there for most of the week as a result of three recent dust-cleaning events. The last time electrical current reached similar levels was on sol 18 (Feb. 10, 2004)!<br /><br /><font color="yellow"> Rat news, and back toward the Duck </font><br /><br />Meanwhile, Opportunity is healthy and continues to circumnavigate <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[brellis]

Sounds like they need to write some Autonomous Abrasion Software <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>

 

[heyscottie]

Andrew:<br /><br />It would be interesting to see, no doubt. I'm not sure I agree with your assessment that Sputnik seems to predate Victoria, however. Sputnik almost seems to push into the walls of Victoria. I guess an alternate argument could be made that the collapse of Victoria was locally stopped due to compaction around Sputnik, though, too...

 

[heyscottie]

By the way, I see that Opportunity has now made its way back to the Northeast side of Duck Bay. The next several sols should be pretty interesting! I notice that it was routed to make a close pass to a small crater called Zahr that does not appear to be very unlike Sputnik...

 

[MeteorWayne]

I was looking at it, and also was unable to decide (on my limited knowledge) which was more likely.<br />They both seem possible to my eye. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[3488]

Sputnik Crater or Zahr Crater. <br /><br />Whichever Oppy looks at will be worthwhile. As MeteorWayne says, the crater could <br />be either from its very foreshortened appearance so far from Oppy.<br /><br />This is why, Opportunity, should take the opportunity (crap pun) to go & have a close detailed look.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

All puns are crap, by definition <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[heyscottie]

Well, it has already passed Zahr, but vectored right along the edge. I haven't seen any images from it, but the team apparently didn't deem it worthwhile to stop for any length of time there.

 

[exoscientist]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>Well, it has already passed Zahr, but vectored right along the edge. I haven't seen any images from it, but the team apparently didn't deem it worthwhile to stop for any length of time there.<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote> <br /><br />How are you judging its position in regards to these landmarks?<br /><br /><br /> Bob Clark <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[heyscottie]

On the jpl website, there is an occasional update of traverse maps for each rover. The most recent Opportunity traverse maps shows it passing by Zahr.<br /><br />marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/

 

[heyscottie]

Yea, I'm an asteroid!<br /><br />Of course I *used* to be a star before the meltdown...<br /><br />Grumble.

 

[3488]

Thanks heyscottie.<br /><br />I was not aware of that.<br /><br />clearly Zahr could not be of any special interest, otherwise Opporutinity woul;d have <br />stopped by.<br /><br />I have not seen any images either, so that was why, I thought Oppy had not<br />been there yet.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[exoscientist]

Anyone know if during the audio conference on entering Victoria there was mention of taking a closer look at Sputnik crater?<br /><br /> Bob Clark <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[3488]

Hi Bob,<br /><br />Great to hear from you again.<br /><br />I have not seen or heard anything to suggest that Opportunity is going to do that.<br /><br />Shame really. I would love for that to happen.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[exoscientist]

Which of these two edges is the upper left edge of the crater? What "standard" impact crater has two rims?<br /><br />Cropped Hirise image showing Sputnik crater.<br />http://bautforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5715&d=1183252160<br /><br />You see there is barely visible a raised rim around the perimeter of the feature but the double edges at the upper left are exaggerated in size compared to the rest of the rim. <br />I found something analogous to this in regards to volcanic vents in this online lecture: <br /><br />Pyroclastic Landforms and Pyroclasts. <br />http://skilling.geology.pitt.edu/GEO3975/pyroclastics/pyroclastics2.pdf<br /><br />As shown in the image on p. 8 of this lecture, a blown up edge could be due to wind driven ash from the vent:<br /><br />"Diamond Head near Honolulu is a famously difficult phreatomagmatic landform to slot into ring vs cone. Most of edifice resembles a tuff ring, but wind has given rise to a steep cone-like side. Most of deposits are also typical of tuff cones rather than rings. Hence several factors control ring vs cone (hydrology, wind, efficiency of magma-waterexplosions etc)." <br />PyroclasticLandforms and Pyroclasts, p. 8.<br /><br />But what's really key in this lecture is discussion of the fact that volcanic vents can have nested rims. See page 9 with an image of Hanauma Bay, a nested tuff ring complex on the coast of Oahu and page 14 with "Asymmetric nested tuff cones of Koko Crater on Oahu".<br /><br />Some more examples of "nested" volcanic craters:<br /><br />Santa Ana Volcano. <br />"The summit of Santa Ana features four nested calderas and volcanic craters, with the innermost containing a small crater lake." <br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilamatepec<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[exoscientist]

I'm informed that that cropped Hirise image of Sputnik sometimes can't be opened.<br /> It is attached below.<br /><br /> <br /> Bob Clark <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[3488]

Hi Bob,<br /><br />Thank you very much for your posts & links.<br /><br />I will root through the MER B Opportunity Raw Images & see what I can find.<br /><br />Having technical problems AGAIN!!! British Useless Telecom. <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /><br /><br />With the further evidence above Sputnik Crater is looking more & more volcanic.<br /><br />The Santa Ana volcano, Ibu Halmahera volcano & Harrat Hutaymah volcano, links are <br />fascinating. Thanks for them.<br /><br />With this growing list of places I must go & visit, I will never be rich. <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br />I wonder why the MER team passed up Sputnik Crater?<br /><br />I will try & contact Steve Squyres & Jim Bell & see what they have to say.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[exoscientist]

Odd. In this newer Hirise image of Victoria from a slightly different angle from the one I was referring to, Sputnik does not appear to have the "double edge". What's more it also seems to have the classic "bowl" shape of an impact crater:<br /><br />PIA09692: Rover Tracks at Crater's Edge.<br />http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA09692<br /><br />You may need to rotate the image to get Sputnik to show the correct relief. Then blow-up the image to zoom in on Sputnik.<br />I'll take another look at that when the full resolution Hirise version is released.<br /><br /><br />Robert Clark <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>