Curiosity mission planner Dawn Sumner said photographs like the ones beamed back by the rover, as well as others taken by probes in orbit, will be used to map a path to the mountain's base -- "doing the best science we can along the way, but also keeping our eyes on that beautiful layered rock, " she said.

CNN: Mars panorama shows Curiosity's prime target

In 2007, McCain infuriated the party's conservative base by co-sponsoring an immigration bill that would have provided a path to legal status for undocumented workers.

CNN: A 'very personal victory' for McCain in New Hampshire