In this self-portrait, the Mars rover Spirit is seen covered in dust as it seeks shelter for a very long winter rest.
Severe Martian dust storms hit the rovers in Earth's June. Spirit's power has been severely drained by the amount of dust covering its instruments and solar panels.
This image comes from photos taken by Spirit's panoramic camera from Sol 1,355 through Sol 1,358 (the number of Martian days Spirit has been on Mars). This verticle view distorts the ground and antennas. The camera mast is located beneath the 8-pointed star shape.
The other Mars rover, Opportunity, which lies near the equator, is in much better shape, having been cleaned by wind gusts.
Photo by NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell/
