Incredible photos chart ten years of exploration on Mars - PHOTO

The rovers have taken hundreds of thousands of images as they journeyed round the red planet, many of which have led to scientific discoveries. A selection of the images, showing sweeping deserts, dusty craters and strange rock formations, have been selected for an exhibition celebrating the mission.'The idea we had for the exhibit was to show the beauty of Mars and at the same time tell the story of the mission and the discoveries,' John Grant, a Smithsonian supervisory geologist, told Slate. Fifty images will make up the Spirit & Opportunity: 10 Years Roving Across Mars exhibit, which can be seen at the Smithsonian until September 14The images sent back on the missions, to two distinct parts of the planet, showed a mix of gorgeous landscapes and desolate scenes that helped scientists learn more about the history of the planet.'We know that Mars was a very different place in its early history. There's evidence it was a much warmer and wetter environment,' Mr Grant said. 'That's not to say there was life there, but it says conditions might have been conducive to it.' (dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az