Coral-shaped rock spotted on Mars, NASA shares pic
In a fascinating discovery, NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has sent back black and white images of a rock on the Martian surface that bears an uncanny resemblance to a piece of coral. The rock was found in the Gale Crater, a large impact basin on Mars, and is believed to be a billion years old.
The stunning image, which has been shared by NASA, shows the coral-shaped rock in all its glory. The rock, which measures about 20 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter, has a intricate network of cracks and ridges that give it a striking resemblance to coral. The image was captured by the rover’s ChemCam, a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument that is used to analyze the chemical composition of rocks and soil.
The discovery of this coral-shaped rock is a significant one, as it provides scientists with a unique opportunity to study a Martian rock that has been shaped by the planet’s harsh environment over millions of years. According to NASA, the rock is believed to have formed as a result of the Martian surface being pounded by meteorites and other small celestial bodies over billions of years.
The Gale Crater, where the rock was found, is a vast impact basin that is approximately 154 kilometers (96 miles) in diameter. It is believed to have been formed around 3.5 billion years ago, when a massive asteroid or comet struck the Martian surface. The crater is now a flat and relatively smooth plain, surrounded by towering mountains and valleys.
The Curiosity rover, which has been exploring the Gale Crater since 2012, has been sending back a wealth of information about the Martian surface. The rover is equipped with a range of scientific instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, and radiometers, which are used to study the geology, chemistry, and climate of the planet.
In addition to the coral-shaped rock, the rover has discovered a range of other fascinating geological features on Mars, including ancient lakes, rivers, and even an ocean. The rover has also found evidence of ancient microbial life on Mars, which has significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth.
The discovery of the coral-shaped rock is just the latest in a long line of exciting finds on Mars. In recent years, NASA’s Mars rovers have discovered a range of fascinating geological features on the planet, including towering volcanoes, sprawling canyons, and even evidence of ancient water on the Martian surface.
As scientists continue to study the coral-shaped rock, they will be able to learn more about the geological history of Mars and the conditions that existed on the planet billions of years ago. The discovery of this rock is a significant one, and will undoubtedly provide scientists with a new perspective on the Red Planet and its fascinating geology.
Source:
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia26634-curiositys-chemcam-views-a-rock-shaped-like-coral/
