Curiosity Probes Martian Polygons and 1 Dark Rock as Meteorite Clues Emerge
Updated
Updated · Science@NASA · Jul 1
Curiosity Probes Martian Polygons and 1 Dark Rock as Meteorite Clues Emerge
2 articles · Updated · Science@NASA · Jul 1
Summary
Curiosity spent two planning cycles examining a light-toned Martian unit after finding it covered with polygonal ridges and scattered dark pebbles to cobbles, including a target rock named “Cortadera.”
The rover team is trying to determine whether the dark rocks fell from higher layers, were blasted in by distant impacts, or are meteorites; some earlier float rocks showed nickel, a common meteorite marker.
APXS, MAHLI and ChemCam measured polygon ridges, polygon centers and Cortadera, while imaging also covered the Miraflores knob, Cordillera mesa, nearby troughs and part of the Valle Grande channel.
Environmental observations included a dust-devil search and atmospheric opacity readings as Curiosity drove toward the upper boundary of the polygon-covered unit.
In the coming week, the rover is expected to enter a darker-toned, rougher-textured band of material visible from orbit, extending the search for how these features formed.