On Wednesday, Feb. 13, NASA officially put an end to the 15-year-long Opportunity mission on Mars. Despite their best efforts, engineers were unable to revive the rover which was incapacitated by a huge dust storm covering the planet last year.
Opportunity made invaluable scientific contributions and inspired a whole generation. In the aftermath of the announcement, scores of scientists, fans, space enthusiasts, and artists took to social media to express their grief and solemn goodbyes. Its last message was “My battery is low and it’s getting dark.”
The Mars rover was declared dead today after no communication since June 2018, This was it's last message. A 90 day mission that lasted 15 years. You did well, we're all very proud of you. ?#RIPOppy #Opportunity pic.twitter.com/z8yIjS1rFM
— Jess (@HuntyDraws) February 14, 2019
A fitting tribute to @MarsRovers Opportunity by xkcd: https://t.co/oh3SkQ3Tip (alt text: "Thanks for bringing us along.") pic.twitter.com/82qSVGfxpJ
— Katie Mack (@AstroKatie) February 13, 2019
thank you #opportunity pic.twitter.com/YnXUNd783x
— Liz Climo (@elclimo) February 14, 2019
My battery is low,
and it's kinda dark#ThankYouOppy #Opportunity pic.twitter.com/MI2kFEcU2X— s k i r t ❁ (@Skirtsan) February 14, 2019
Godspeed, #Opportunity, you were a great friend to Humanity ??
Its last transmission was a bunch of data that equates to "my battery is low and it's getting dark." ? pic.twitter.com/EliAms1uor
— HammurabiOfBabylon (@HammurabiBabylo) February 14, 2019
So hard to say good bye to the Mars rover #Opportunity #webcomic pic.twitter.com/N29DjM10bl
— Mayoking Comics (@Mayoking) February 13, 2019
@NASA #Opportunity I’m not crying. You’re crying. pic.twitter.com/i9D3FkwC7L
— Lauren Cramer (@LoCramer) February 13, 2019
This is technically #Spirit but it seems fitting to post, given the recent news about #Opportunity. #OppyPhoneHome
???
Source: https://t.co/Sa0YBOk2Qx pic.twitter.com/UUVYubwyzr
— Jenna (@starshipTARDIS) February 13, 2019
Rest in peace, little guy. You did good. #Opportunity pic.twitter.com/2S6zneF3T9
— Tutu with O and I, Esq. (@Aetherling) February 14, 2019
Thanks #Opportunity ? pic.twitter.com/zpx3t4jzIZ
— Talu Tales (@talu_tales) February 14, 2019
Rust in peace, #Opportunity. You're being missed. pic.twitter.com/G2IHDse7vF
— crisp (@crispnewsapp) February 14, 2019
I have some feels today #Opportunity pic.twitter.com/QOnEwbGyUP
— Ceryesdoodles (@ceryesgames) February 13, 2019
It’s not goodbye forever. Just for a little while. She and Spirit will be waiting for us when we reach Mars. Thank you, Oppy ❤️#OppyOut #thankyouOppy #oppyart #opportunity #opportunityrover #goforlaunchcomics #sciart #abbygarrettart #NASA @MarsRovers @NASA @NASAJPL @tanyaofmars pic.twitter.com/2ef8fwQijW
— Abby Garrett (@abbygarrettX) February 13, 2019