NASA’s Perseverance rover is now digging deeper into Mars’ geologic past by grinding into rock surfaces to expose material that could hold clues to the planet’s ancient environment and habitability. The rover recently used its abrasion tool to scrape away the top layer of a rocky Martian outcrop called “Kenmore,” revealing fresh surfaces for close-up analysis.
During the abrasion process, the Perseverance rover encountered challenges with the rock, which vibrated all over the place and small chunks broke off. However, despite these difficulties, scientists managed to gather valuable data from the exposed surface.
The recent findings suggest that Kenmore contains clay minerals, which are relatively typical of ancient Mars clay minerals. The analysis also revealed enhancements in iron and magnesium, as well as feldspar – a mineral common on Earth and other rocky planets. Furthermore, the team discovered manganese hydroxide in the specimens for the first time.
The data obtained from rocks like Kenmore will help future missions better understand Martian geology and prepare them for potential sampling and construction activities on the Red Planet. The Perseverance rover’s advanced abrading bit and gaseous Dust Removal Tool make it an ideal instrument for conducting detailed in-situ science.
Perseverance is operating in Mars’ Jezero Crater, a 28-mile-wide basin that once hosted a river delta and lake. Scientists believe this region contains some of the best-preserved records of Mars’ wet past, making it a prime location to search for biosignatures – indicators of ancient life.
The rover continues to collect rock core samples, which are being sealed in tubes and stored for a possible future return to Earth through the Mars Sample Return campaign. However, recent budget proposals suggest that this program may be cut altogether.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/mars-rovers/was-ancient-mars-habitable-nasas-perseverance-rover-is-grinding-into-a-weird-uncooperative-rock-to-find-out