NASA’s Perseverance rover achieved a historic milestone by climbing to the top of Jezero Crater in December 2024 after three and a half months. The rover navigated slopes with steep inclines, emerging at Lookout Hill. Deputy project manager Steven Lee praised the rover’s resilience, highlighting its ability to adapt to challenging terrain.
Perseverance is now set to launch its “Northern Rim” science campaign, focusing on new geological areas. Over the next year, it will explore four sites, collecting samples that add to those taken from Jezero Crater. This mission aims to provide insights into Martian geology, from partially filled crater rocks to deeper Martian layers.
The rover’s journey offers a golden opportunity to study hidden Martian history. Its mission includes examining outcrops like Witch Hazel Hill, which represents layered rock formations crucial for understanding Martian past.
Perseverance also carries a meteorite fragment recovered decades ago, symbolizing its role in connecting Earth and Mars. While the return of samples depends on funding, the rover’s findings promise new knowledge about Martian geology and history. Fingers crossed for future missions to bring these discoveries home.
Source: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/nasa-perseverance-rover-reaches-top-jezero-crater-rim