The Perseverance rover on Mars recently discovered and photographed a pale rock that stood out against the brown terrain. Named Atoko Point, this rock contains at least two minerals and has geologists speculating about its origin and what it might reveal about Mars’ past.
This unusual light-colored boulder was found by the Mars rover Perseverance, which successfully landed on Mars in February 2021. After more than three years on the planet, Perseverance has been exploring the Jezero crater and recently came across the unique Atoko Point rock.
Measuring about 45 centimeters wide and 35 centimeters high, Atoko Point has been analyzed by Perseverance’s cameras and equipment to contain pyroxene and feldspar minerals. NASA geologists believe the rock may have been transported to the Jezero crater by an ancient river or could be a remnant of magma from Mars’ deeper layers.
The discovery of this pale rock is significant as it is the first of its kind observed on Mars, hinting at more exciting finds to come. The findings from this exploration will provide valuable insights into the planet’s geological history and evolution.