The Year Ahead on Mars

2007 was a notable year for exploration of the Red Planet, but this year should prove to be just as exciting. Discovery News has a nice round-up of what to expect. Spirit and Opportunity, the twin rovers, are still hard at work, and three orbiters are still studying the planet from up high.

A new probe, Phoenix, is also slated to land on Mars' north pole on May 25. Researchers are hoping the lander will study samples of water ice and help them find new clues about the planet's history. Phoenix will look for evidence of organic molecules, too. And if you just can't wait until May, you can track the spacecraft's journey to Mars here.—Gregory Mone

(Image credit: Corby Waste/JPL)