NASA’s Curiosity rover has arrived at a fascinating Martian ridge system that might be the world’s first boxwork structure, with scientists eager to investigate its unique features. The rover is currently positioned on top of a large cobble, rather than a pebble, which has restricted its initial analysis.
To get up close and personal, the rover will use a suite of cameras and sensors to document its surroundings while preparing for a return next Friday. In the coming days, scientists aim to determine if the ridges belong to this remarkable structure.
Remote imaging efforts are underway, with Curiosity using its powerful Mastcam instrument to capture sweeping mosaics of the landscape surrounding it. The rover is also firing its laser at nearby peaks and taking detailed photos of intriguing formations.
In parallel, maintenance work on the Heat Rejection System (HRS) has been ongoing, ensuring the rover’s temperature regulation system remains in working order.
Following imaging operations, the rover will reposition itself for closer examination of the Martian terrain. On the second day of the plan, atmospheric science experiments and autonomous targeting of instruments will be conducted to further analyze the site.
The rover’s arrival marks an exciting development in its exploration of Mars’ geological features, with scientists anticipating that this discovery could shed new light on the Red Planet’s mysterious past.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/this-martian-stone-web-could-rewrite-mars-geological-history