SHERLOC The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals has a nickname: SHERLOC. Mounted on the rover's robotic arm, SHERLOC uses cameras, spectrometers, and a laser to search for organics and minerals that have been altered by watery environments and may be signs of past microbial life. In addition to its black-and-white context camera, SHERLOC is assisted by WATSON, a colour camera for taking close-up images of rock grains and surface textures.
Tech Specs Main JobFine-scale detection of minerals, organic molecules and potential biosignatures LocationMounted on the turret at the end of the robotic arm MassTurret: 6.86 pounds (3.11 kilograms) Body: 3.55 pounds (1.61 kilograms) body
Power Turret: 32.2 watts Body: 16.6 watts
Volume 10.2 by 7.8 by 2.6 inches (26.0 by 20.0 by 6.7 centimeters)
Data Return 79.7 Mbits (raw)
Spatial Resolution 2 Cameras Autofocus and Context Imager: 10.1 micrometers WATSON Camera: 15.9 micrometers 1 Laser: 100 micrometers Field of View: Imaging: 0.9 to 0.5 inches (2.3 by 1.5 centimetres) Spectroscopy: 7 by 7 millimetres (0.275 inch)
"Key, driving questions are whether Mars is or was ever inhabited, and if not, why not? The SHERLOC investigation will advance the understanding of Martian geologic history and identify its past biologic potential." - Luther Beegle, Principal Investigator
Sherlock Holmes was a fictional detective who solved crimes. He used forensic methods. These include scientific observation and powers of logical reasoning. SHERLOC observes and measures too. It will look for possible evidence of past life on Mars - if any microbes ever existed.
Dr. John H. Watson was Holmes' partner in solving mysteries. WATSON the camera assists SHERLOC as it helps solve mysteries about life on Mars.
With its camera sidekick WATSON (Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering), SHERLOC even has a modern version of the hand-lens magnifying glass used by the classic British detective!
