Source- economictimes.indiatimes.com
On May 30, 2024, NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover made an astonishing discovery on the Red Planet when it encountered a rock that cracked open to reveal yellow sulfur crystals. This find was particularly surprising as it marks the first time pure elemental sulfur, as opposed to sulfur-based minerals, has been detected on Mars. Since October 2023, Curiosity has been investigating an area rich in sulfates—salts that include sulfur and are formed from evaporating water. Previous findings in this region had involved sulfur in combination with other minerals, but the newly discovered rock is composed entirely of elemental sulfur, a form not previously associated with this Martian locale. The implications of this find, and its connection to other sulfur compounds in the area, remain unclear.
Exploring Gediz Vallis Channel
Curiosity’s exploration has been focused on the Gediz Vallis channel, a significant geological feature on Mars. This channel, which cuts through Mount Sharp, extends approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) down the mountain and is believed to have been shaped by ancient flows of water and debris. The channel’s unique characteristics were a key reason for sending Curiosity to this region. Since its arrival, the rover has been studying the channel’s landscape to understand its evolution over billions of years. Initial observations suggest that both catastrophic floodwaters and localized landslides contributed to the formation of debris mounds in the channel. Analysis of the rocks within these mounds indicates a mix of rounded stones from water flow and angular rocks possibly from dry avalanches.
Further Investigations and Rock Sampling
In addition to the sulfur crystals, Curiosity has found intriguing evidence of past water activity in the channel. Chemical reactions involving water have created white “halo” patterns on some rocks, visible due to erosion by wind and sand. This discovery highlights a dynamic past for Mars, contrary to earlier expectations of a more static history. To delve deeper into the planet’s past, scientists have been keen to collect rock samples from the channel.
On June 18, Curiosity drilled into a sizable rock named “Mammoth Lakes,” which provided a valuable sample for further analysis. Although the sulfur crystal rocks discovered earlier were too small and fragile for drilling, the larger Mammoth Lakes rock offered an opportunity to collect powdered samples for laboratory examination. This analysis aims to shed light on the composition of Mars’ surface materials and contribute to our understanding of the planet’s geological history.
