NASA“好奇号”探测器在火星岩石中发现了意外惊喜

NASA's Curiosity rover recently made a surprising discovery on Mars when it cracked open a rock to reveal yellow sulfur crystals, a never-before-seen phenomenon on the Red Planet. This finding is particularly significant as previous detections of sulfates on Mars were mainly sulfur-based minerals, whereas the recently uncovered rocks are composed of elemental (pure) sulfur.

The presence of pure sulfur in an area rich with sulfates has puzzled scientists, as it forms under specific conditions not typically associated with the planet's history. The rover also found an entire field of bright rocks similar to the one it crushed, adding to the mystery of their presence.

In addition to the sulfur discovery, Curiosity has been studying the Gediz Vallis channel, a groove on Mount Sharp, and has revealed evidence of ancient floods and landslides shaping the Martian landscape billions of years ago. The channel is believed to have been carved by flows of liquid water and debris, leaving behind boulders and sediment.

Recent findings from Curiosity suggest that both violent water and debris flows, as well as local landslides, contributed to the formation of large mounds of debris in the channel. Chemical reactions caused by water and erosion from wind and sand have also left distinctive marks on the rocks, indicating a period of dynamic activity in the region.

Despite the small and brittle nature of the sulfur rocks, the team managed to obtain a rock sample named "Mammoth Lakes" by drilling its 41st hole using the rover's robotic arm. The powdered rock will undergo further analysis to determine its composition, providing valuable insights into the geological makeup of the region.

Curiosity's ongoing exploration within the channel continues to yield unexpected and exciting discoveries, highlighting the complexity and dynamism of Mars' ancient terrain.