Gallery: Dispatches from Glenelg, the Scottish Namesake of Curiosity's First Destination on Mars

  • Glenelg coast in the winter
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    The Glenelg coast in the winter. *Image: Cathy Thomas-Grant*
  • Pastureland of Glenelg
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    Pastureland in one of the many valleys (glens) of Glenelg, Scotland. *Image: Marina Moore*
  • Glenelg to the Isle of Skye ferry
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    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*
  • Glenelg coastline
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    The Glenelg coastline. The region is home to a range of wildlife, including otters, seals, sea hawks, and Atlantic salmon. *Image: Marina Moore*
  • Glenelgs Broch Towers
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    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*
  • The team monitors a narwhals' heart rate using electrodes attached to its skin. Martin Nweeia is in black.
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    An inlet during low tide. Scallops and lobster are also harvested in the area. *Image: Marina Moore*
  • Glenelg peninsula
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    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*
  • Mam Ratagan winter
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    A wintertime view from the top of Mam Ratagan, the 1000+ foot pass that marks the only road into the village. *Image: Peter Jones*
  • Kyle Rhea strait
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    A view of the Kyle Rhea strait that separates Glenelg on the right from the Isle of Skye on the left. *Image: Peter Jones*
  • Moor of the Glenelg peninsula
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    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*
  • Glenelgs lush forests
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    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*
  • Glenelg's mountains
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    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*
  • Glenelg Peninsula residents
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    Glenelg’s 250 residents are scattered around the peninsula. *Image: Darren Diggle*
  • Glenelg grassland
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    Wildflowers dot the grasslands of Glenelg in the Spring. *Image: Anna Tullis*