Image: Mars Opportunity tau watt-hours graph

Description: This graphic shows how the energy available to NASA’s Opportunity rover on Mars (in watt-hours) depends on how clear or opaque the atmosphere is (measured in a value called tau). When the tau value is low, plenty of sunlight hits Opportunity’s solar arrays and provides power to the rover. When the atmosphere becomes suddenly darker and more opaque (as occurred starting May 30, 2018), the rover’s power levels drop precipitously. The June 10, 2018, tau measurement (10.5) was higher than any previously measured on the Red Planet. Energy level on that day (21 watt-hours) was the lowest ever measured on Opportunity at that time.
Title: Mars Opportunity tau watt-hours graph
Credit: https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/21921/on-mars-light-is-energy/
Author: NASA JPL
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No