NASA-operated Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, sending shockwaves through the scientific community. In March 2025, the rover captured an image of rocks in the Jezero crater rim containing hundreds of millimeter-sized grey spheres. These spheres have sparked intense interest due to their unique shapes and potential connections to volcanic eruptions or ancient water.
The discovery is not new to Mars exploration. Previous rovers, including Curiosity and Opportunity, have identified similar spherical shapes, known as spherules, in rocks from Gale Crater and Meridiani Planum. These findings suggest that the spheres may be formed through groundwater interaction within rock pore spaces, a process also seen on Earth.
Scientists believe that the formation of these spheres could provide crucial insights into Mars’ geological history. The Jezero crater, where the spheres were found, is thought to have been shaped by volcanic eruptions and meteorite impacts. Studying the spheres’ origin could fundamentally alter our understanding of Mars’ past.
The discovery has also sparked debate about the potential for life on Mars. Geological investigations on Earth often reveal microbial activity within rock accumulations, suggesting a similar possibility on Mars. Further research is needed to confirm this speculation, but the findings are certainly exciting and raise hopes for new discoveries from Perseverance’s ongoing mission.
Source: https://www.ecoticias.com/en/nasa-perseverance-mars-discovery/13357