Ode to Oppy

It seems to me you lived your [[life]]

As an [[example]] to the [[humanity]] that created you

Your [[perseverance]] endeared you to millions.

The Mars Exploration Rover Mission Team instructed and loved you, like your family and teachers. Millions cheered when you sent back something you had [[discovered]], and wept when you had difficulties.

You went above and beyond the [[call of duty]].

Turning 90 days into 15 Earth Years, perhaps it was this that made us love you, to view you with awe and [[adoration]].

Our dear, lovely, Oppy, living like a rover in the [[wind]].

You advanced science, finding [[things]] that sparked imagination!

There is something about wind in a [[lonely desertscape]]. So [[lonely]].

You called Meridiani Planum home. It was here you [[discovered]] things that energized [[humanity]]. In this isolation you [[persevered]].

You may have been alone on the surface of Mars. Your closest sibling many miles away, and those that loved you millions of miles away, but you were never truely alone for the [[humanity]] that cheered you on. That loved you.

[[Hematite!]] [[Martian Dust Devils!]] [[Gypsum!]]

Your first discovery, coming right after landing. You found Hematite! We know that on Earth, this is formed in environments with water! We were so proud of you! Possible evidence of water! This [[wasn't all!!-->Gypsum!]]

Climate and wind were learned about when you captured these Dust Devils! You lived amongst these, a Rover in the [[wind]]!

You made many discoveries that had to do with water, but you found Gypsum, likely created when underground water flowed through fissures leaving behind calcium. A great discovery after your [[Hematite!]]

Over 5000 sunsets faded before you did you never faded with these sunsets Always [[going]]

Never [[fading]]

Always [[going.]]

Never [[fading.]]

Through the dust storms that couldn't stop you. And then the dust finally settled in. And you settled into your [[eternal rest.]]

But your [[tracks]] will [[always]] be on this (text-color: "red")[red Martain surface].

You left 45 kilometers of tracks across the Martain dust. Far [[farther]] than expected.

Though the harsh winds may erase the those physical impressions... Your tracks on science will never [[fade]].

Really going above and beyond Though now, you have slipped into the beyond And entered your [[eternal rest.]]

Will never fade [[away]]

your light burned out long before your [[legacy]] ever will

A legacy of science that will never die. An imprint on the heart of humanity that will always be [[treasured]]

Thank you Oppy The Rover that could. "My batteries are low, It is getting [[dark]]"

(text-color: "black")[Good-bye]