The Curiosity rover continues to explore Mars, providing scientists on Earth with valuable data about the geological makeup of the Red Planet. Recently, during one of its routine operations, Curiosity accidentally cracked a rock that held an unusual surprise – pure sulfur crystals.
The Curiosity rover was launched on November 26, 2011, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It has been on Mars since August 6, 2012, when it landed safely in Gale Crater. Since then, Curiosity has continued to explore the Martian surface, providing scientists with valuable data.
Its mission is to explore the surface of Mars, analyze rocks and soil, and search for traces that may indicate past life on the planet. Curiosity provides scientists with valuable data that helps them better understand the geological history and conditions on Mars.
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Surprise discovery on Mars
The Curiosity rover has been exploring the Mount Sharp area for several months, where it has discovered the presence of several minerals, including sulfates. According to IFLScience, during one of the explorations, the rover accidentally split a rock and discovered pure sulfur crystals inside. This unexpected discovery caught the attention of scientists because pure sulfur crystals can provide valuable information about past geochemical conditions on Mars.
Pure sulfur has never been seen on Mars before. Although sulfates contain sulfur, there is no clear relationship between the composition of these molecules and pure crystals. Elemental sulfur crystals only form under specific conditions. None were expected to be found in this region.
Scientists want to better understand the red planet
Equipped with advanced research tools such as X-ray spectrometers, high-resolution cameras and chemical analysis equipment, Curiosity will continue its exploration, providing us with more and more detailed information about Mars. The discovery of pure sulfur crystals is the next step in understanding the secrets of the Red Planet and searching for traces of past life.
“Finding a field of rocks made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert,” said Curiosity project scientist Ashwin Vasavada of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in a statement. “It shouldn’t be there, so now we have to find it. Finding strange and unexpected things is what makes planetary exploration exciting.”
Pawel Maziarz, journalist at Wirtualna Polska
