NASA’s Curiosity rover is gearing up for its next mission to explore giant spiderweb-like features on Mars. These unique rock formations, known as “the boxwork,” cover a vast area on the Red Planet and could provide valuable insights into Mars’ watery history.
Curiosity has been on a remarkable journey on Mars, recently concluding its exploration of Gediz Vallis, where it made significant discoveries like pure sulfur crystals and ancient lake remnants. As the rover prepares to move on to the boxwork region, scientists are eager to study these zig-zagging rocks up close for the first time.
Unlike the “spiders on Mars,” which are created by carbon dioxide ice sublimating on the surface, the boxwork features are believed to have formed from mineral-rich water filling gaps between rocks and eventually hardening. Similar formations can be found in caves on Earth, like Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, although they are much smaller in scale.
By studying the minerals in the Martian boxwork, researchers hope to unravel the mysteries of Mars’ past and potentially uncover clues about the existence of extraterrestrial life. The unique geological features could provide valuable information about the conditions that may have supported microbial life on Mars billions of years ago.
Curiosity’s exploration of the boxwork is expected to begin in early 2025, marking another exciting chapter in the rover’s ongoing mission on Mars. Stay tuned for more updates as NASA’s Curiosity rover delves into the secrets hidden within the spiderweb-like rocks of the Red Planet.