Rover panorama: Begin exploring Mars. Mount Sharp Mount Sharp (more formally called Aeolis Mons ) is a central peak that rises 5.5km from the floor of Gale Crater.
It appears to have been built up from ancient sediments, some deposited during the phase of Martian history when liquid water flowed across the surface. These conditions might have favoured the appearance of microbial life, so the peak is Curiosity's prime target for exploration. Nasa intends to drive the rover to the mountain in order to investigate its lower rock layers, but an extended mission of many years could see Curiosity climb high up its slopes.
NASASpaceFlight.com Forum - Index. Mars Science Laboratory.