NewsNational

Actions

NASA Mars Rover Curiosity captures stunning images

Posted at 6:54 AM, Aug 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-22 08:15:17-04

NASA released stunning video captured by its Mars Rover Curiosity. 

The video shows eroded mesas and buttes from Mars in a 360-degree color panorama.

The pictures were taken of what has been dubbed the Murray Buttes as Curiosity continues its trip through the lower Mount Sharp.  

The structures are capped with rock that is resistant to wind erosion, according to NASA. The rock helps protect what remains of the layer. 

Part of the mission is to study an ancient habitable environment and learn how freshwater conditions turned into an environment less capable of supporting life. 

Curiosity landed on Mars on Nov. 6, 2011 and landed on Mars on Aug. 6, 2012.