It's been three years since Curiosity set down on Mars, and in that time, the rover has traveled 11 miles. That might not sound like much, but the travel has been over rough and tumble terrain, and it has sent back invaluable scientific data on the geology and environment of the red planet. From perusing rock formations to getting a new perspective on sunspots, the Curiosity rover has sent home a wealth of new information on the solar system since it landed on August 6, 2012.
Want to keep up on the the travels of this roving researcher as it climbs mountains, takes soil samples, and much more? The Museum has been keeping tabs on Curiosity's work with a series of great videos that will help sate your curiosity about the one-ton space explorer.
Want to learn about Curiosity's quest for organic carbon, which could be a telltale sign of life in Mars' past? Check out this short documentary from Science Bulletins.
More interested in taking a step back and getting the skinny on its journey to Earth's nearest planetary neighbor? Or maybe you want to relive the breathtaking rover landing that was watched live by countless viewers back home? We've got you covered on both fronts.
Since Curiosity touched down three years ago today, NASA scientists in charge of the mission, like project scientist John Grotzinger, have also come to the Museum to discuss their research with the public and put new groundbreaking new information about the history of Mars in perspective.