NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover has discovered a rock sample, dubbed “Silver Mountain,” which boasts textures unlike any seen before. The 26th sample collected by the rover is of immense scientific interest as it may provide a rare window into Mars’ deep past. Rocks in this area are believed to have been thrust up from deep inside the planet after an ancient impact billions of years ago, potentially offering clues about the early Martian crust and its geological history.
Studying these rocks could help scientists understand what Mars and even Earth were like during the solar system’s formation. The sample is also notable for being one of the first from the Noachian age, a period around 4 billion years ago marked by frequent asteroid and comet impacts. NASA aims to return this sample to Earth for in-depth study.
The Perseverance rover has been exploring Jezero Crater since its landing in 2021, collecting rock samples and testing new exploration technologies. One of those technologies was the Ingenuity helicopter, which took to the skies a total of 72 times before ending its mission.
NASA is currently overhauling its Mars Sample Return program due to rising costs and mission complexity. China aims to launch its own Mars sample return mission in 2028, with potential samples arriving on Earth by 2031.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/mars-rovers/perseverance-mars-rover-finds-one-of-a-kind-treasure-on-red-planets-silver-mountain