Gale Crater: Future home of Mars Rover Curiosity

NASA has selected Gale Crater, seen here, as the landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory mission. This view of Gale is a mosaic of observations made in the visible-light portion of the spectrum by the Thermal Emission Imaging System camera on NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter. The landing site on the northern rim of the crater has been circled.

The Curiosity rover itself won't stray too far from its landing spot. Over the planned two (Earth) years of its mission, it is expected to travel a modest 12 miles or so. But that may be the most significant 12 miles ever traveled in planetary exploration. To mark the occasion of Curiosity's arrival, this slideshow brings you a collection of stunning images from all around Mars.