Curiosity captures detailed dawn panorama of Martian yardangs

NASA released its most detailed panorama yet of a 10-mile band of wind-carved yardangs on northwestern Mount Sharp. Curiosity's Mastcam took six images at 8:30 a.m. local Mars time on Aug. 11, processed without white balancing to preserve the morning light. Scientists suspect the layer formed from ancient volcanic ash and hope to reach its base in 2027.

• Panorama spans a roughly 10-mile band of yardangs
• Six Mastcam images shot at 8:30 a.m. local Mars time
• Curiosity has climbed 1 kilometer in elevation, a Mars record
• Rover aims to reach the yardang base in 2027