Mars rover uncovers 'skull': A mysterious rock on the red planet
The Perseverance rover, belonging to NASA, encountered an unusual rock on Mars that scientists have named the "skull," reports Live Science. It is located in the Port Anson region, where the rover is searching for traces of ancient life. The rock stands out with its dark colour and angular shape, which has attracted the attention of researchers.
The Perseverance rover, belonging to NASA, encountered an unusual rock on Mars that scientists have named the "skull," or more precisely, "Skull Hill," reports Live Science. It is located in the Port Anson region, where the rover is searching for traces of ancient life. The rock stands out with its dark colour and angular shape, which has attracted the attention of researchers.
Unusual rocks on Mars
The Port Anson region, where the "skull" was discovered, contains many rocks that may have been transported from other places. Scientists suspect that these loose rocks could have moved billions of years ago when Mars was warmer and wetter. As the water receded and the surrounding material eroded, more resistant rocks remained on the surface.
Scientists are considering several theories about the origin of the "skull." One suggests that the rock may have formed as a result of erosion, where small fragments broke off, creating holes. Another theory suggests that Martian winds might have acted like sandpaper, gradually wearing down the rock's surface.
As Live Science points out, although the dark colour of the "skull" could suggest it is a meteorite, chemical analysis performed by the SuperCam instrument aboard Perseverance indicates that its composition doesn't match that of a typical meteorite. It's possible that the rock has a volcanic origin, as suggested by minerals present in it, such as olivine and pyroxene.
It's worth noting that in recent months Perseverance has collected samples from five rocks and analysed seven others, which marks the fastest pace of data collection since its landing on Mars. NASA scientists are determined to bring these samples back to Earth to more closely examine whether life ever existed on the Red Planet.
The "skull" is not the only unusual rock discovered on Mars. For example, in July 2024, Perseverance examined a rock named "Cheyava Falls," which has millimetre-sized, irregular spots surrounded by dark material on its surface, reminiscent of "leopard spots." In September 2024, the rover came across a rock named "Freya Castle," which stands out with a pattern resembling camouflage—alternating dark and light stripes, and in October 2024, a doughnut-shaped rock that may originate from beyond Mars.
