Spirit sent us this image today from its position inside Gusev Crater on Mars, its cameras looking out over a rocky expanse called “Home Plate”.

The original image was greyscale…I colored it in an attempt to approximate true color based on other true-color photos. It’s a little off but it’s pretty close to actual Martian “rust”. 

Originally planned for 3-month service, Spirit (and her sister, Opportunity) have been exploring the Martian surface faithfully for the last 5 years, using their solar panels to recharge their batteries (and occasionally getting a good cleaning from passing dust devils) and sending back remarkable images and invaluable data about the Martian topography. They are an example of human ingenuity – and good workmanship – at its best.

Despite the similarity in appearance to a hot, arid desert on Earth, the daytime temperatures on Mars are around -40º F this time of year. By summer, it can climb all the way up into the low 30s. (But it’s a dry heat.)

Image credit NASA/JPL-Cornell/J.Major