Photo: Mars Dust Storm Weakens -- But Won't Doom -- Rovers

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


A global dust storm engulfed Mars in 2001, as seen in these images taken just as the storm was beginning on June 10 and then as dust blurred the planet's surface on July 31.

A huge dust storm spotted a few weeks ago on Mars is blocking sunlight from reaching NASA's solar-powered rovers Spirit and Opportunity, but experts say a period of regular "naps" will help the robots conserve enough power to survive the tempest.

Image courtesy NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

MOST VIEWED NEWS

PICTURES: 2012 Doomsday Myths Debunked

2012: Six End-of-the-World Myths Debunked

APOCALYPSE PICTURES: 10 Failed Doomsday Prophecies
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

50 Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.