Photograph Description

Processed section of the first colour image taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. The rover landed successfully on the planet on 4 January 2004. The drag mark (from far right to bottom centre) was created when one of the lander’s airbags was retracted. Scientists have called this region the ‘Magic Carpet’. It will be investigated by the rover to study characteristics of the Martian soil. Spirit, and an identical rover called Opportunity, will study Martian rocks and look for water on the planet. This image was taken with Spirit’s panoramic camera. (Photo by Science Photo Library)