This observation is a candidate landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover—named Curiosity—to be launched in 2011.

One of the main science objectives for MSL at this location is to examine deposits containing different types of clay minerals along the banks of Mawrth Vallis.
Written by: Sharon Wilson   (23 June 2010)

This is a stereo pair with ESP_018530_2045 .

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_017897_2045

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona