Gallery: Dispatches from Glenelg, the Scottish Namesake of Curiosity's First Destination on Mars
01glenelg-coast-in-the-winter
The Glenelg coast in the winter. *Image: Cathy Thomas-Grant*
02pastureland-of-glenelg
Pastureland in one of the many valleys (glens) of Glenelg, Scotland. *Image: Marina Moore*
03glenelg-to-the-isle-of-skye-ferry
The community-owned turntable ferry that links Glenelg to the Isle of Skye. Maximum capacity: 12 people, 4 cars. The traverse crosses the Kyle Rhea strait, a powerful channel that may be tapped for tidal power in the coming years. *Image: Marina Moore*
04glenelg-coastline
The Glenelg coastline. The region is home to a range of wildlife, including otters, seals, sea hawks, and Atlantic salmon. *Image: Marina Moore*
05glenelgs-broch-towers
One of Glenelg’s Broch Towers – ancient round stone structures built approximately 2000 years ago. According to legend, the towers were built by warrior queens. *Image: Marina Moore*
)06glenelg-inlet-during-low-tide
An inlet during low tide. Scallops and lobster are also harvested in the area. *Image: Marina Moore*
07glenelg-peninsula
The Glenelg peninsula is sparsely inhabited, home to roughly 250 people. Most earn a living from the land, as small-scale farmers or fishermen. *Image: Marina Moore*
08mam-ratagan-winter
A wintertime view from the top of Mam Ratagan, the 1000+ foot pass that marks the only road into the village. *Image: Peter Jones*
09kyle-rhea-strait
A view of the Kyle Rhea strait that separates Glenelg on the right from the Isle of Skye on the left. *Image: Peter Jones*
10moor-of-the-glenelg-peninsula
The windswept moor of the Glenelg peninsula. The harsh, scenic landscape has inspired a wealth of myths and legends over the centuries. *Image: Anna Tullis*
11glenelgs-lush-forests
One of Glenelg’s lush forests. Niall McAdie, the head chef of the Glenelg Inn, offers a bold prediction for mission scientists: “We have a lot more water here than you may find on Mars.” Mission scientists hope otherwise. *Image: Anna Tullis*
12glenelgs-mountains
The area’s mountains provide dramatic scenery, but Mount Sharp – the Curiosity rover’s ultimate target in Gale Crater – is taller. *Image: Cathy Thomas-Grant*
13glenelg-peninsula-residents
Glenelg’s 250 residents are scattered around the peninsula. *Image: Darren Diggle*
14glenelg-grassland
Wildflowers dot the grasslands of Glenelg in the Spring. *Image: Anna Tullis*
15glenelg-on-mars
Glenelg, Mars marks the intersection of three distinct types of terrain. *Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona*
