NASA’s Curiosity rover has discovered a rock on the Martian surface that resembles coral, with images showing intricate branches and a 1-inch-wide structure. The object is believed to have formed billions of years ago when water combined with minerals in Martian rocks, depositing veins and eventually eroding into its current shape.
The discovery was made July 24, during Curiosity’s exploration of the Gale Crater on Mars. Other unusual rocks found by the rover include “Paposo” and a flower-shaped object, which were discovered in 2022.
Curiosity landed on Mars in 2012 and is currently scanning the Martian surface for signs that it may have been habitable in the past. The rover has traversed approximately 22 miles of the 96-mile-wide crater and has uncovered evidence of long carbon chains from ancient rocks, suggesting a potential for life on Mars.
The coral-like rock was found in a region where wind erosion has worn away rocks over millions of years, similar to how Earth’s oceans formed coral reefs. This discovery provides further insight into Martian geology and the planet’s potential for supporting life.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/mars/nasa-finds-multi-billion-year-old-coral-on-mars