At first glance, it looks like coral from the sea. But this curious object lies in Mars’ dusty Gale Crater, not an ocean bed. NASA’s Curiosity rover spotted the strange rock on July 24.
Curiosity captures coral-shaped rock on Martian surface
The object is small, just 2.5 centimeters wide. Its delicate, branching shape makes it resemble marine life. But scientists say it’s actually a wind-eroded piece of rock. The image was taken with the rover’s Remote Micro Imager.
NASA explained that water once flowed on ancient Mars. The planet’s early water carried minerals that seeped into cracks. Over time, these minerals formed solid veins inside the rocks. Billions of years later, Martian winds exposed these veins. What’s left behind are coral-like shapes carved by nature.
Curiosity has found similar features before in Gale Crater. One example is “Paposo,” another oddly shaped rock nearby. In 2022, the rover also photographed a tiny flower-shaped structure. These discoveries continue to surprise researchers back on Earth.
Mars rover explores Gale Crater for signs of life
Curiosity landed in Gale Crater in 2012. This large crater sits between the planet’s southern highlands and smoother plains. Since then, the rover has travelled around 35 kilometers across the crater floor.
Its mission is led by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The goal is to study rocks and collect samples. Scientists are searching for evidence of past habitability on Mars.
So far, Curiosity has revealed signs of ancient carbon chains. It has also found hints of a Martian carbon cycle. These findings suggest Mars may once have supported life.
As Curiosity climbs slowly across Mars’ terrain, it keeps finding clues. Each strange rock or mineral trace adds to the story. A story of a planet that was once wet, active, and possibly alive.
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