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Mars Rover Finds Alien Rock Mystery
19 Nov
Summary
- A peculiar rock with high iron and nickel content was found.
- Scientists believe the rock may have originated elsewhere in the solar system.
- The rock, named Phippsaksla, was discovered near Jezero crater's rim.
NASA scientists are intrigued by a peculiar rock, named Phippsaksla, discovered by the Perseverance rover on Mars. Located near the rim of the Jezero crater, this rock stands out due to its 'sculpted' appearance and exceptionally high iron and nickel content. Analysis suggests it may have formed elsewhere in the solar system, potentially in the core of a large asteroid.
The rover used its SuperCam instrument to examine the rock's composition, revealing a metallic makeup unusual for the Jezero crater. Geologists theorize that Phippsaksla could be a meteorite originating from the asteroid belt, a type of space rock known for its resistance to weathering.
While iron-nickel meteorites have been found by other Mars rovers, their absence in Jezero crater until now was unexpected. Further analysis is required to confirm Phippsaksla's extraterrestrial origin. This discovery follows Perseverance's earlier finding of a 'helmet' rock, potentially formed by volcanic activity, adding to the geological mysteries of Mars.
