Scientists discover the Mars bedrock the Perseverance Rover has been driving on likely formed from red-hot magma, as well as discovering rocks which have interacted with water.
Scientists with NASA's Perseverance Mars rover mission have discovered that the bedrock their six-wheeled explorer has been driving on since landing in February likely formed from red-hot magma.Researchers say more analysis needs to be done to determine the method which produced the organicsThe team has also concluded that rocks in the Jezero crater have interacted with water multiple times over the eons and that some contain organic molecules.
"But then our PIXL instrument got a good look at the abraded patch of a rock from the area nicknamed 'South Seitah,' and it all became clear.PIXL, the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry, uses an X-ray spectrometer to identify chemical elements. "The rock was then altered by water several times, making it a treasure trove that will allow future scientists to date events in Jezero, better understand the period in which water was more common on its surface, and reveal the early history of the planet."
"It's very exciting because volcanic rocks are datable and we can use them to trace back the history of the planet," he said. NASA hopes the rover can characterise the planet's geology and past climate to help pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet.
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