Mars rover checks in from the red planet

"NASA is using Foursquare as a tool to share the rover's new locations while exploring Mars," said NASA spokesman David Weaver.

"This will help to involve the public with the mission and give them a sense of the rover's travels through Gale Crater," where the Curiosity rover landed in August.

People using social network Foursquare can keep up with Curiosity as the rover explores Mars, checking in at key locations and posting photos and tips according to NASA.

Details are available online at foursquare.com/MarsCuriosity or foursquare.com/NASA.

NASA announced last week that the Mars rover has discovered gravel once carried by the waters of an ancient stream that "ran vigorously" through the area.

Scientists had previously found other evidence that water was present on the Red Planet, but this is the first time stream bed gravel has been found.

Curiosity is on a two-year mission to investigate whether it is possible to live on Mars and to learn whether conditions there might have been able to support life in the past.

The $2.5bn craft landed in Gale Crater on August 6, opening a new chapter in the history of interplanetary exploration.

Earth-bound Foursquare users will be able to earn Curiosity-themed virtual badges at the social network for check-ins at laboratories, science centres or other locations that inspire interest in technology, mathematics, science or engineering.

NASA launched its alliance with Foursquare two years ago when astronaut Doug Wheelock checked-in from the International Space Station.

Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge