Mars rover runs dead

NASA’S seemingly unstoppable Mars rover, Opportunity, has been knocked out by a huge dust storm that is enveloping the planet and blocking the sun.

Officials hope the rover will survive the storm, which is expected to encircle the planet in a few days.

But it could be weeks or even months until the sky clears enough for sunlight to recharge the rover’s batteries through its solar panels.

For now, Mars’ oldest working rover is stuck in the middle of the raging storm, in roundthe-clock darkness.

Flight controllers have tried to contact Opportunity, but the rover did not respond.