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You're not on the surface of Mars right now, but that doesn't mean you can't feel like you are. Try playing around inside this interactive 360-degree panorama image of the surface of Mars. You'll feel like the Curiosity rover is your special little Mars buddy and the two of you are on an adventure.

The Mars Curiosity Rover has had some computer problems over the last few weeks that have seen it in and out of safe mode and switched from A-side to B-side computers and back. At last report, the rover was back in safe mode after another software glitch. The latest round of computer problems didn't last long though, and the rover's Twitter account announced it is back in action with it's systems up and running.

This newly released panoramic image of Mount Sharp located in Mars' Gale Crater can provide valuable information to NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for further aspects of the Curiosity Rover Mission, but it also kind of looks like Luke Skywalker's home planet of Tatooine from Star Wars, so let's just focus on that.

Today NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced the findings collected by the Mars Curiosity Rover after it analyzed a sample it drilled from a Martian rock, and the news is some of the most exciting yet to come out of the Curiosity mission. The data shows that Mars once had conditions capable of supporting microbial life.

Just what was in that sample of rock the Curiosity rover drilled out of Mars? We don't know yet, but we'll find out later this afternoon, and we'd love for you to join us. Watch with us live at 1:00 pm EST as NASA announces the contents of the rock sample and explains why those results are important. Chances are this won't be the end of the story on whether or not Mars was once capable of supporting life, but it has the potential to be a major piece of that puzzle, and you can watch its reveal live below thanks to the magic of NASA TV.

This morning, we tip our hats to NASA's hardware gurus, who have successfully rebooted the computer that runs the Curiosity rover, letting it get back to work after a few long, nail-biting days operating in 'safe mode' on it's second computer system. While the backup kept the rover running, it was essentially on life support, an unable to do the science we've come to treasure from it. So here's hoping you had a nice nap, Curiosity. Now get back to work -- this ain't no union shop.

The real Curiosity rover may be millions of miles away on the surface of Mars, but that won't stop NASA from sending in a look-alike to march in today's Inauguration Parade to ring in President Barack Obama's second term. Curiosity just tweeted this picture of its twin getting ready to join the festivities.

Geeks are a lot like hobbits: Aside from enjoying a good fantasy story and a hearty meal, neither of us venture beyond the comfortable confines of our home unless there is an absolutely necessary reason to do so -- which still necessitates heavy consideration. That's the stereotype, anyway. Case in point, NASA's teaming up with Foursquare to present those conquering their agoraphobic tendencies with a Curiosity rover-themed badge if they follow NASA via the social media platform and check in when they arrive at a NASA visitor center or any other approved locations -- such as a museum or planetarium -- that provide an educational experience. Sadly, events like Star Wars movie marathons at your local theater or science fiction conventions don't count toward receiving this special badge.

Last month NASA said that the Curiosity Rover had found something historic on Mars, and everyone's mind, ours included, jumped right to the conclusion that what they found was life, or at least evidence of life. A few days after that announcement, they basically told everyone to chill out. They said the findings were important, but not as ground-breaking as everyone seemed to think. Finally, on Friday, they straight up tweeted that what they found wasn't life. What did they find? They're holding a press conference at noon EST to make that announcement and you can watch it right here with us.