Mars missions scaled back in April because of sun

This artist rendering provided by NASA shows the positions of the sun, Earth and Mars, at left. Radio communications between Earth and Mars are limited during this planetary alignment, which occurs in April. Spacecraft in orbit around Mars and on the surface will not receive new commands during this period. Next month, Mars will be passing almost directly behind the sun, from Earth's perspective. The sun can easily disrupt radio transmissions between the two planets during that near-alignment. (AP Photo/NASA/JPL-Caltech)

The Associated Press

Posted: Thursday, April 4, 2013, 3:27 AM

LOS ANGELES - Call it spring break on Mars: Spacecraft in orbit around the red planet and on the surface are taking it easy this month because of interference from the sun.

For much of April, the sun blocks the line of sight between Earth and Mars. This alignment makes it difficult for engineers to send instructions to spacecraft or hear from them.

Such communication blackouts occur every two years when Mars disappears behind the sun. No new commands are sent during this period because they can get scrambled.

Engineers have sent up commands in advance, but work will be scaled back.

Rovers Curiosity and Opportunity can't drive. Instead, they'll study their surroundings. Orbiting spacecraft will make observations, but for the most part, won't beam data back until Mars is in view again.

The Associated Press

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