UPDATE: NASA’s Perseverance rover has potentially made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, identifying a shiny rock named ‘Phippsaksla’ that may be a meteorite. This finding, reported just moments ago, could mark a significant milestone for the rover, which has been exploring the Martian surface since February 18, 2021.
The unusual rock was spotted on the ancient bedrock outside Jezero Crater, where Perseverance has spent nearly four years searching for signs of ancient microbial life. Initial tests show high levels of iron and nickel, elements typically found in meteorites, prompting scientists to investigate further. If confirmed, Phippsaksla would join a select group of cosmic visitors already documented by previous Mars rovers.
NASA’s mission page highlights that while earlier rovers like Curiosity and Opportunity have identified similar metallic rocks, Perseverance’s potential find would be its first. The rover’s SuperCam, which utilizes a laser to analyze the rock’s chemical makeup, revealed readings suggesting a meteorite origin. This is crucial because such elements are rarely found in native Martian rocks.
Commenting on the discovery, NASA stated, “This finding reinforces how meteorites interact with the Martian surface over time.” If validated, Phippsaksla could provide insights into the history of meteorites on Mars and their formation processes.
As NASA continues to study the rock’s unique makeup, the agency is eager to confirm whether it truly originates from beyond Mars. The confirmation of a meteorite would not only be a historic first for Perseverance but also a reminder of the mysteries that lie 140 million miles away.
Perseverance, which launched on July 30, 2020 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, traveled 293 million miles to reach its destination. Weighing approximately 1,025 kilograms (2,267 pounds), it is equipped with advanced scientific instruments intended to aid future human exploration of Mars in the 2030s.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The potential for new discoveries on Mars is always just around the corner, and NASA’s Perseverance rover is at the forefront of this exciting exploration.
