Mars Exploration Rover Update - March 18, 2004

http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/status.html

OPPORTUNITY UPDATE: Two Down, Three to Go - sol 53, Mar 18, 2004

On sol 53, which ends at 6:07 p.m. PST on March 18, Opportunity
first completed the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer work from
yestersol and then continued to study the second soil survey
target with the Moessbauer spectrometer.

Following an afternoon nap, the rover used its microscopic
imager to get close-up views of the soil. Opportunity then
made its way to the third soil target, which involved a
5-meter (about 16 feet) drive. The alpha particle X-ray
spectrometer was then positioned to examine the magnet arrays.
Preparations were also made to conduct a miniature thermal
emission spectrometer observation of the martian sky at dawn on
the next sol.

"Ice Cream Man" by John Brim woke Opportunity this sol to
remind it of the possible sweet treats that await at targets
referred to as "Chocolate Chip" and "Coconut" in the
neighborhood dubbed "Mudpie."

The soil survey will continue in the coming sols.