NASA JPL’s Curiosity rover has captured striking images of unusual rock formations that offer new clues about ancient water activity on Mars.
The rover recently photographed intricate “boxwork” formations inside Gale Crater. These structures provide scientists with fresh insights into the Red Planet’s geological past.
Curiosity, operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, scaled an 11-meter incline to reach the boxwork region. The climb occurred over two Martian days, known as sols 4451-4454.
Between May 15 and 18, the rover used its Mast Camera to capture a 360-degree panorama. The sweeping view consisted of 291 individual images stitched together.
A separate mosaic of 15 images was taken July 26 using the rover’s right navigation camera. This occurred while Curiosity simultaneously relayed data to a Mars orbiter overhead.
The images revealed mineral ridges formed billions of years ago. Groundwater deposited cement-like minerals in rock fissures during this ancient period.
NASA scientists used several onboard instruments to analyze the site’s composition. These included ChemCam, the Mars Hand Lens Imager, the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer and Sample Analysis at Mars.
ChemCam’s laser examined rock targets with names like “Lake Titicaca,” “Vicuna,” “Totoral” and “Sillar.” Two other instruments conducted contact science on nodular bedrock samples.
The Sample Analysis at Mars instrument performed atmospheric composition analysis. These energy-intensive operations required careful power management of the rover’s nuclear power source.
The boxwork formations represent a unique geological feature on Mars. They formed when ancient groundwater moved through fractured bedrock over long periods.
Scientists believe these structures could provide important information about Mars’ watery past. The formations may also offer clues about potential past habitability.
The Curiosity mission continues under JPL’s direction. The laboratory remains a leader in planetary exploration and research.
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