NASA’s Perseverance rover has uncovered a rock sample with unprecedented textures, dubbed “Silver Mountain.” The 2.9cm core, collected from the Blue Hill area of Jezero Crater, is the first Noachian-aged outcrop sample and holds secrets about Mars’ geological past.
The discovery was made during the rover’s return to sampling Mars, offering a crucial opportunity to unravel the Red Planet’s mysteries. The sample has been sealed for further analysis in labs on Earth, where scientists hope to uncover clues about past water activity and potential habitability.
According to postdoctoral scientist Nicolas Randazzo, the sample could reveal critical information about life’s viability on Mars. The Perseverance rover’s route includes climbing Witch Hazel Hill and exploring low-calcium pyroxene units, a strategic path designed to maximize discoveries.
NASA estimates that samples from Silver Mountain may be returned to Earth as early as 2035. The selected retrieval method will be announced next year. This sample return mission is seen as a vital effort to save costs and time compared to earlier plans, prioritizing Mars exploration under NASA’s evolving goals.
The discovery of “Silver Mountain” marks a milestone in understanding the Noachian era, offering insights into Mars’ geological evolution and its potential for sustaining life. With critical data from this sample and others, scientists aim to uncover Mars’ potential for supporting human colonization efforts.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/nasas-billion-dollar-find-perseverances-silver-mountain-may-rewrite-mars-ancient-history-208710-10-02-2025