Opportunity facts for kids

Opportunity is a word that means a chance to do something, especially something good. It's like a special moment when things are just right for you to achieve a goal or try something new.

The word "Opportunity" can also refer to many different things, from places on Earth to a famous robot exploring Mars!

The Mars Rover Opportunity

One of the most famous uses of the word "Opportunity" is for a robotic rover that explored the planet Mars. This amazing robot was part of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission.

Journey to Mars

The Opportunity rover was launched into space on July 7, 2003. After a long journey through space, it landed safely on Mars on January 25, 2004. Its twin rover, Spirit, landed a few weeks earlier. Both rovers were designed to explore different parts of Mars and look for signs of water.

Exploring the Red Planet

Opportunity was expected to work for only 90 Martian days (about 92 Earth days). However, it surprised everyone by continuing to explore Mars for nearly 15 years! It traveled over 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) across the Martian surface, which is the longest distance ever driven by any vehicle on another planet.

During its mission, Opportunity sent back thousands of pictures and a lot of scientific data. It found strong evidence that water once flowed on Mars. This was a very important discovery because water is essential for life as we know it.

End of Mission

In June 2018, a huge dust storm covered Mars, blocking sunlight from reaching Opportunity's solar panels. Without sunlight, the rover couldn't charge its batteries. Scientists tried to contact Opportunity for many months, but it never woke up. NASA officially declared the mission over on February 13, 2019. Even though its mission ended, Opportunity taught us so much about Mars and showed how tough and long-lasting a robot can be!

Places Named Opportunity

The word "Opportunity" has also been used as a name for several places, especially in the United States:

• Opportunity, Montana: A small, unincorporated community in the state of Montana.
• Opportunity, Nebraska: Another small, unincorporated community, this one in Nebraska.
• Opportunity, Washington: This was once a census-designated place in Washington state.
• 39382 Opportunity: This is the name of an asteroid, a small rocky body orbiting the Sun. It's named after the Mars rover.

Opportunity in Arts and Music

The idea of "opportunity" has inspired many artists and musicians:

• Songs:
  • "Opportunity" by Pete Murray: A song released in 2006.
  • "Opportunity" by The Charlatans: A song by this English band.
  • "Opportunity" from Annie: A song from the 2014 movie version of the famous musical.
  • "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)" by Pet Shop Boys: A popular song by this British pop duo.
• Films:
  • Opportunity: A movie made in 1918.
• Magazines:
  • Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life: An important literary magazine during the Harlem Renaissance, a time of great artistic and cultural growth for African Americans in the 1920s.

Other Meanings of Opportunity

Beyond places and entertainment, "opportunity" can describe different kinds of chances or situations:

• Business opportunity: This is a chance for a business to make money or grow, like finding a new product to sell or a new group of customers.
• Equal opportunity: This means everyone should have the same fair chances to succeed, no matter their background, gender, or race. It's about fairness in things like jobs and education.
• Window of opportunity: This is a short period when something can be done. If you miss that "window," the chance might be gone.

See also

• Crisis
• Launch window
• Opportunism
• Opportunity cost
• All pages with titles containing "opportunity"