NASA puts Mars rover on a month-long hiatus

NASA halts communication with Curiosity to avoid any interference during a period when the sun is blocking Earth-to-Mars transmission signals. (Credit: NASA) For the first time since its descent onto the red planet, the Mars rover Curiosity is getting a little alone time. The rover and NASA scientists are having a communication breakdown, of sorts.

Interactive panorama of Curiosity photos lets you take hi-rez Mars-walk

Navigate around this supercrisp 4-gigapixel spherical view and get up close and personal with the Red Planet. (Credit: Screenshot by CNET) A stunning 4-gigapixel panorama of Mars, compiled from images captured by two mast cameras aboard NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, could be one of the most detailed views of our distant neighbor yet.