Opportunity is in position for solar conjunction at the southeast rim of the 80-meter (262-foot) diameter Santa Maria crater.
The Astronomical Research (A.R.C) mentioned that the southeast region of the rim shows evidence for hydrated sulfate minerals. Opportunity is positioned near a bright surface target called "Luis de Torres," and has begun the planned in-situ (contact) surface since campaign that will continue through solar conjunction.
On Sol 2485 (Jan. 20, 2011), a microscopic imager (MI) mosaic of Luis de Torres was collected. The target was brushed by the rock abrasion tool (RAT) on a previous sol.
On Sol 2486 (Jan. 21, 2011), the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) was placed on the same target for a post-brushed integration.
On the next sol, the Moessbauer (MB) spectrometer was then positioned on the target for a multi-week integration that will last through the solar conjunction period.
As of Sol 2489 (Jan. 24, 2011), solar array energy production was 554 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.854 and a solar array dust factor of 0.616.
Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).