Mars Update

NASA has two little robots, called Rovers, exploring two different areas of Mars. They are both powered by solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. Over time, as the Rovers move along the surface, the Martian dust slowly settles on these panels, reducing the sunlight available to power each robot vehicle. As the solar panels become dusty and less efficient, the robot eventually runs out of power and stops functioning.

This is indeed happening with one of the Rovers.

The other one began gaining power a month ago, and is now running at 100% efficiency. No one knows why. Speculation is that something has cleaned it's solar panels. One suggestion is that the Martian spring has brought thunderstorms, and rain has washed the dust from the solar panels.