Posted: Wed, Jun 2, 2004, 7:58 PM ET (2358 GMT)
NASA's Mars rover Spirit has spied what appears to be outcrops of layered rocks like those seen by its twin, Opportunity, project scientists said Wednesday. Spirit observed the rock formations as it approached the Columbia Hills, approximately three kilometers from its landing site in Gusev Crater. The rocks may be similar to those seen by Opportunity and found to be evidence of liquid, flowing water in the planet's ancient past. Spirit is now only about 400 meters from the base of the hills, and should arrive there within a week. Spirit was stymied by unexpected computer reboots twice in a eight-day period, caused by separate "low-probability" glitches. Opportunity, on the other side of the planet, continues to study the rim of Endurance Crater as project officials study how, and if, to send the rover inside the crater.

Related Links:

•  Reuters article
•  SPACE.com article
•  NASA/JPL press release