18 October 2016

When we looked at the latest data from MSL this morning, we noticed that the MAHLI and ChemCam RMI images of the Quela dump pile were unexpectedly offset from the center of the pile. After looking at more of the recent images, it became clear that the dump pile had been moved by winds! So we put together plans to repeat the ChemCam passive observation and APXS integration on the dump pile at its new position, but ultimately were not able to fit the ChemCam passive into the plan due to power limitations. We didn't want to put off the strategically-planned cross-contamination experiment, which requires significant power. Hopefully the wind won't blow away the dump pile before APXS can measure its chemical composition!