Quadrillion

wired:

Curiosity has gone more than 1,300 feet since landing on Mars and, for much of the recent drive, scientists have been searching around for a “good sandbox to play in,” said Michael Watkins, the rover’s mission manager during a NASA press conference on Oct. 4.

Now, it seems like they’ve found the right spot. The rover is parked at an area that researchers are calling the Rocknest, where it will stay for several weeks to practice its scooping. Curiosity pushed one of its wheels into the loose sand at this location and spun it about it make sure it’s loose and dry — perfect for sampling.

— We hope she packed her shovel and pail!

(Source: Wired)