NASA’s Mars 2020 rover has made a fascinating discovery at the ‘Port Anson’ site on the rim of the Jezero crater. The rover, which is exploring the crater, has encountered a variety of rocks, including one called ‘Skull Hill’, that may have originated from elsewhere and were transported to their current location, known as a “float”. This unique rock features dark tones and angular surfaces, and its composition is being studied by the team.
The discovery of ‘Skull Hill’ is reminiscent of meteorites found in Gale crater by the Curiosity rover. However, recent analysis suggests that the rock’s composition may not be consistent with a meteorite origin. Instead, it could be an igneous rock eroded from a nearby outcrop or ejected from an impact crater.
The team is using the rover’s instruments to measure the chemical composition of ‘Skull Hill’ and understand its origins. Iron and magnesium are key contributors to igneous rocks, which form from cooling magma or lava on Mars. By analyzing the rock’s composition, the team can gain insights into the Martian geology and potentially shed light on the planet’s complex history.
Note: The article has been rewritten to make it more concise and accessible to a general audience while maintaining the essential information and scientific context.
Source: https://science.nasa.gov/blog/origins-uncertain-skull-hill-rock