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The "Burns Cliff of Gusev Crater" (1) - Sol 748
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After several months of driving, Spirit finally reached the semicircular geologic feature dubbed "Home Plate" in Gusev Crater. Spirit first got a good view of Home Plate in late August, after cresting Husband Hill.
After that, the Rover made scientific observations near the Summit before commencing an ambitious drive of 848 mt (about 2.782 feet, a little more than half a mile) in 94 Soles, to get to Home Plate. Spirit is now studying a rock target called "Barnhill" just below the tabletop-like surface of Home Plate using instruments on the Rover's RA. Science Team members have begun calling Home Plate the "Burns Cliff of Gusev" because of its layered appearance and steep slopes, which is reminiscent of, but smaller than, Endurance Crater, explored by Spirit's twin, Opportunity, on the opposite side of Mars in 2004.
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