Extraterrestrial entities are not modifying Mars’ environment, but one of NASA’s rovers recently uncovered something with an unusual texture that might catch the attention of cauliflower enthusiasts. Curiosity, a rover the size of a Mini Cooper equipped with scientific instruments, was exploring rough Martian terrain in March when its navigation camera captured images of rocks on Mars that stood out from previous discoveries. The scientists overseeing the rover’s journey stated that these rocks are unlike anything they have seen before on the Red Planet.
The social media account for Curiosity posted a light-hearted query about the peculiar “lumpy rocks.” Simultaneously, approximately 2,300 miles away on Mars, the Perseverance rover encountered bumpy rocks reminiscent of the “Martian blueberries” that were famously discovered by the Opportunity rover in 2004.
Curiosity, during its mission, took close-up images of these strange rocks. Since its launch in 2011, Curiosity has traveled approximately 352 million miles, including extensive movement across Mars’ surface. It is currently heading toward a previously unexplored section of Gale Crater known as the “boxwork” region, which likely formed through the presence of warm groundwater in ancient times.
Despite often being overshadowed by its newer counterpart, Perseverance, Curiosity recently drew attention with a significant discovery related to its rock samples. Researchers identified the largest organic molecules found on Mars to date within these samples, suggesting the possibility that chemical processes necessary for life may have been more advanced on Mars than previously believed. These molecules, which feature long chains of carbon atoms, could be fragments of fatty acids, essential components of life on Earth.
Although this discovery of organic molecules, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is not definitive proof of life, it does inspire optimism among scientists that more complex, life-related molecules may still exist on Mars. Previously, researchers expressed skepticism about the potential survival of such evidence on the planet due to millions of years of radiation and environmental changes.
The team has officially named the newly discovered rocks Manzana Creek and Palo Comado, documenting them with photographs. According to the mission journal, one of the rocks has jagged, vertical surfaces and a notably rough texture.
Perseverance’s bumpy rock, found near the Jezero Crater rim and officially named St. Pauls Bay, resembles a cluster of small peas, covered in tiny beads and some featuring small holes. The rover’s findings have puzzled researchers.
Alex Jones, a scientist on the Mars 2020 mission team, expressed curiosity about the geological processes that could result in these distinctive formations. Spherical features on rocks can develop through various geological activities, including water flow forming mineral concretions, volcanic eruptions, and meteorite impacts.
Researchers plan to further investigate these rocks using the instruments on the rovers. However, these discoveries heighten NASA’s interest in returning samples to Earth for comprehensive study. Currently, the space agency is deliberating on how to proceed with its Mars Sample Return mission, which aims to bring Perseverance-collected samples of rock, dust, and air back to Earth. NASA will evaluate engineering plans for two potential new methods considered to be simpler and more cost-effective.
