Gallery: Tracking Mars: Curiosity Makes Its Mark on the Red Planet

  • Riding Deep
    01

    riding-deep

    Since Curiosity landed on mars on Aug. 6, the rover has traveled hundreds of feet over the Martian surface. In the process, it has tracked up the sandy, dusty terrain, leaving tire marks, scoop divots, Morse code and [one tiny piece of itself](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/10/curiosity-bright-plastic/) behind. Unlike the Apollo astronauts' footprints on the moon, Curiosity's trails will probably be wiped away by the planet's frequent wind and sand storms. But there is still something so incredible about these little ephemeral marks we are making on another world. Though the physical traces won't last, their impact lives on in the images the rover is sending back to Earth. Here are some of our favorite shots of Curiosity's tracks on Mars. *Image: [NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=NLA_406378191EDR_D0050178NCAM00313M_&s=100)*
  • Tracks and Arm
    02

    tracks-and-arm

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=NLA_403263156EDR_F0050104NCAM00107M_&s=65)*
  • Wheels And Tracks
    03

    wheels-and-tracks-2

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=0060MH0037001000E1_DXXX&s=60)*
  • Morse Code
    04

    morse-code-3

    Curiosity stamps the Morse code for JPL in its tracks everywhere it goes. The symbols for J (.---), P (.--.) and L(.-..) can be seen in this shot. Scientists use the imprints to better gauge distance. *[NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia16112.html)*
  • Overlapping Tracks
    05

    overlapping-tracks

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/test/?rawid=NLA_406550905EDR_F0050202NCAM00453M_&s=102)*
  • CloseUp Color Tracks
    06

    close-up-color-tracks

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=0059ML0268013000E1_DXXX&s=59)*
  • Tracks and Mount Sharp
    07

    tracks-and-mount-sharp

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=RRA_404584335EDR_F0050104RHAZ00309M_&s=80)*
  • Tracks From Orbit
    08

    tracks-from-orbit

    This image was taken on Sept. 2 by the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. *[NASA/JPL/University of Arizona](http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/releases/msl-tracks.php)*
  • Curiosity's First Tracks Panorama
    09

    curiositys-first-tracks-panorama

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia16092.html)*
  • Color Tracks
    10

    color-tracks

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=0074MR0488021000E1_DXXX&s=74)*
  • Scoop and Tracks
    11

    scoop-and-tracks

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=FRA_403351737EDR_F0050104FHAZ00202M_&s=66)*
  • Beauty Shot
    12

    beauty-shot

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems](http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia16239.html)*
  • Scalloped Tracks
    13

    scalloped-tracks

    *[NASA/JPL-Caltech](http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=NLA_406377737EDR_F0050178NCAM00338M_&s=100)*
Read More
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
These Are Our Favorite Standing Desks to Liven Up Your Workstation
Take your home office to new heights with our favorite motorized standing desks.
Nicole Kinning
The Best MagSafe Grips for Getting a Handle on Things
Keep your phone firmly in hand and add some personality with these comfortable, durable, and nifty smartphone grips.
Louryn Strampe
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Hybrid Mattresses for the Best of Both Worlds
By combining foam and springs in carefully tuned layers, hybrids hit the sweet spot between soft and supportive. Here are our favorites after extensive testing.
Julia Forbes
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So