Mars is currently undergoing one of its spectacular, albeit terrifying, global dust storms. The entire planet has essentially been engulfed in a thick, reddish-brown haze, blocking out the sun.



While the nuclear-powered Curiosity rover is safely continuing its work in Gale Crater, the solar-powered Opportunity rover has had to enter a deep sleep mode to conserve battery power. Opportunity was only designed to last 90 days, yet it has been exploring the Martian surface for over 14 years! We can only wait and hope that once the skies eventually clear, the veteran rover's batteries will recharge and it will phone home once again.