NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has captured a stunning 360-degree view of the Martian surface, showcasing intricate boxwork patterns that have fascinated scientists for years. The panorama, stitched from 291 individual images, provides a unique glimpse into the Red Planet’s geological history.
The images, taken between May 15 and 18, 2025, have been adjusted to match the lighting conditions as seen by the human eye on Earth. The rover’s Mast Camera (Mastcam) captured these images, revealing networks of resistant ridges formed from groundwater trickling through rock cracks billions of years ago.
Scientists believe this ancient process, known as diagenesis, occurred when minerals left behind by water hardened like cement within rocks. Eons of wind and sandblasting then carved away the rock, exposing the boxwork patterns.
The image also features Curiosity’s tracks in the center, a butte nicknamed “Texoli” to the right, and the rim of Gale Crater at the top center. Since 2014, Curiosity has been exploring the foothills of Mount Sharp, a towering mountain within the crater.
Built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Curiosity is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program portfolio, led by Caltech in Pasadena, California. Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego designed and operates Mastcam.
For more information about the Curiosity rover and its mission to explore Mars, visit [link].
Source: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia26559-curiositys-first-360-degree-view-of-boxwork-patterns