Perseverance rover captures new self-portrait at Lac de Charmes on Mars
Assembled from 61 frames, the photograph documents the rover's westward advance and recent rock analysis work within Jezero Crater.
NASA's Perseverance rover has released a new self-portrait taken on March 11, 2026, at a location designated Lac de Charmes within Jezero Crater. The image, which was compiled from 61 individual frames, captures the rover against a backdrop of ancient Martian terrain.
The photograph shows the rover's mast positioned near a rocky outcrop in the foreground. This specific site represents the deepest westward excursion the vehicle has undertaken beyond the crater rim to date. The science team has named the location Lac de Charmes to document this significant point in the mission's trajectory.
Immediately prior to capturing the image, the rover utilised its rock abrasion tool to create a circular patch on the rock surface. This process involves grinding down a portion of the rock's exterior to expose the interior composition for scientific analysis. The selfie effectively documents the immediate aftermath of this analytical procedure.
The event occurred on the 1,797th Martian day, known as Sol 1,797, of the ongoing exploration. Operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the mission continues to traverse the ancient geological features of Jezero Crater to study the history of the planet.
The resulting image provides a clear view of the rover's position relative to the western rim of the crater. It serves as both a technical record of the site conditions and a visual update on the vehicle's progress through the Martian landscape.
