The Rover Boys (and Girls) are looking at those tantalizing hills and talking like they really want to go there!
The east hills, seen above, are a potential destination for the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. These hills are closest to Spirit in comparison to other hill ranges seen on the martian horizon. The top of the east hills are approximately 2 to 3 kilometers (1 to 2 miles) away from the rover's approximate location.
This zoomed-in overhead view of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's estimated landing site and surrounding area shows the rover's potential "itinerary." Scientists and engineers plan to drive the rover approximately 250 meters (820 feet) from the green point to the rim of a nearby crater measuring 192 meters (630 feet) in diameter. They then plan to drive toward the east hills, the tops of which measure 2-3 kilometers (1-2 miles) away from the rover's estimated landing site.
A photo can be found here, labeling all those hills. One assumes more creative names may be forthcoming. From overhead, the hills are shown on this picture.
The hills look low, and not very steep. Could the rover climb to the top of one? What could you see from there?
Yeee Haw! Anyone else getting a major Space Geek Stiffie here?
Fuck politics.
Heading for the hills!