Rocknest (Mars)

Rocknest

Rocknest sand patch on Mars (September 28, 2012).
Feature type	Sand patch
Coordinates	4°35′S 137°26′E / 4.59°S 137.44°E / -4.59; 137.44

Rocknest is a sand patch on the surface of Aeolis Palus, between Peace Vallis and Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp), in Gale crater on the planet Mars. The patch was encountered by the Curiosity rover on the way from Bradbury Landing to Glenelg Intrigue on September 28, 2012. The approximate site coordinates are: 4°35′S 137°26′E / 4.59°S 137.44°E / -4.59; 137.44.

The sand patch is downhill from a cluster of dark rocks. NASA determined the patch to be the location for the first use of the scoop on the arm of the Mars Curiosity rover.^[1] The Rocknest patch is about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) by 5 m (16 ft).