NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover has made a groundbreaking discovery that is being described as “unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.” The 26th sample collected by the rover, dubbed “Silver Mountain,” holds promise for shedding light on the Red Planet’s past and present life. Sealed in a sample tube, the find will be analyzed in labs on Earth to unlock its secrets.
Launched in 2020, the Perseverance rover has been searching for signs of ancient microbial life and studying Mars’ habitability since landing in February 2021. Its findings have traveled over 20 miles, documented on NASA’s interactive map. The Jezero Crater, where the rover landed, is believed to have once been home to an ancient river delta.
To unravel the mystery of Silver Mountain, NASA has announced a new approach to its Mars Sample Return Programme. In a bid for innovation and cost savings, the agency will explore two landing architectures before selecting one path forward. The programme aims to determine if Mars ever hosted life and unlock the universe’s secrets.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that it has the potential to change humanity’s understanding of the Red Planet, the universe, and ourselves. The samples will be captured by ESA’s Earth Return Orbiter and analyzed using new tools.
Source: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/nasa-makes-unlike-anything-weve-30918226