with Curiosity roverNASA is investigating Gediz Vallis Channel On Mars since October 2023, an unexpected discovery was recently made: pure sulphur, They called it “Yellow treasure“.
This discovery It was a result of chance The rover accidentally broke a rockPassing through it revealed the sulfur inside.
Although this is not the first time evidence of sulfur has been found on Mars It has already been identified in other minerals on the planetThis is the first time that elemental sulfur has been detected in this area. Thanks to the rover's path, a complete field of sulfur-free rocks was discovered.
Ashwin Vasavata, Project Scientist curiosity At NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, the discovery was compared to “Find an oasis in the desert“He added:”It shouldn't be, so now we have to explain it“.
The goal of curiosity
The rover has spent ten years in this region of Mars Mount SharpCuriosity has been conducting research since 2014. Its goal is to learn more about the history of the planet. By studying the strata of MtHoping to find potential nutrients that would have made life possible on Mars, if it ever existed.
The Gediz Vallis channel, where Curiosity is currently located, is of great scientific interest because the space agency believes it was created “Liquid water and debris flows“, and its current form It is a result of floods and landslides.
Despite the discovery, how pure sulfur fits into the Martian composition remains a mystery. However, researchers hope to have more answers soon. Because it is not the only rock with an internal organ.
According to NASA, the rocks the rover broke up with were too small and fragile curiosity They studied them, and found a large rock nearby, which they called “Mammoth Lakes“.
A 25-centimeter hole made in Mammoth Lakes rock by the Curiosity rover
This rock was the rover's target He was able to drill it with a drill on the tip of his robotic arm. Two meters, to obtain a powder sample, which will be analyzed with instruments located inside. By this, the aim is to study what materials the rock is made of.
For now, curiosity The canal continues its exploration workScientists analyze the samples to better understand the composition of the planet.
