NASA's Perseverance Rover Investigates Ancient Mars Habitability by Grinding into 'Weird' Rock
NASA's Perseverance rover is using an abrasion tool to uncover clues about Mars' ancient environment and habitability by grinding into a rocky outcrop named 'Kenmore' in Jezero Crater. The rover's advanced instruments are analyzing the rock's composition and history to understand Mars' geologic past.
NASA's Perseverance rover is using an abrading bit to dig below the surface of a rocky outcrop called 'Kenmore' in Jezero Crater on Mars. This process aims to reveal material that may provide insights into the planet's ancient environment and habitability.
The recent abrasion marks a shift in the rover's focus towards detailed in-situ science. Perseverance employs advanced tools like the abrading bit and gaseous Dust Removal Tool to analyze rock interiors without contamination risks.
After the abrasion, the rover's instruments investigate the exposed rock. The SuperCam detected clay minerals and feldspar, while the SHERLOC and PIXL instruments help determine mineral content and potential signs of past water activity or microbial life.
The work is conducted in Mars' Jezero Crater, known for its well-preserved records of the planet's wet past. Kenmore is the 30th Martian rock studied by Perseverance in detail.
According to the source: Space.
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