Many people think the two objects seen to the far left and near the horizon on the following image are the backshell and parachute.


(Click for full resolution)

I did a quick calculation based on the Field of view, resolution of the camera, and dimensions of the backshell and I estimate that they are about 1300 Feet away.

I doubt there is any good scientific reason to visit them. However, if the heatshield crashed nearby it might be interesting to look in the small crater it most likely created.

Well - they've elected to not visit the heatshield at Spirit's site, as it's not on their planned route ( a lot more meters to drive to go to the edge of boneville crater than to drive all the way around the back of it ).

I dont think they'd actually want to get too close to the backshell and parachute - the chances of the chute material being caught in a bit of wind and tangling in the rover is probably very small, but it's just one of those risks they dont want to take.

The heatshield should be fairly harmless however, and there is a very bright single pixel object away off in the plain visible thru one of the crater wall low points from Opportunity that could be the backshell (and if not, what IS it ?)

Hopefully they might pancam that target in that navcam shot today.

Doug