My Geek Side

I've been following the Mars Phoenix Lander on twitter, and was sad to learn today it's more than likely gone to sleep for the last time.  It does not have the energy to awaken due to the extreme cold.  It has a Lazarus mode, which could awaken it if it survives the winter, but it is unlikely.  The poor bastard will just sit there for a million years until it is "rescued".

After watching a story on Spirit and Oppy (Opportunity) last year, my brother and I were surprised how sad we were when it portrayed their inevitable demise (a rather dramatic scene with the rover lowering it's head as the sun set behind it). They were like little people out there, stranded all alone in the freezing temperatures of Mars.  Although they have long outlasted expectations, their time is numbered, too. 

You can follow them here. 

Why do I care?  Grease, of course.  (There are some really neat pictures in that link)!