Unexpected sulfur crystals uncovered by curiosity on Mars
The Curiosity rover is still exploring Mars, providing scientists on Earth with valuable data on the Red Planet's geological composition. During one of its routine operations, Curiosity recently accidentally cracked open a rock that revealed an extraordinary surprise – pure sulphur crystals.
The Curiosity rover was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on November 26, 2011. It has been on Mars since August 6, 2012, when it safely landed in Gale Crater. Since that time, Curiosity has been continuously studying the surface of Mars, providing scientists with valuable data.
Its mission involves studying the surface of Mars, analyzing rocks and soil, and searching for signs that may indicate past life on the planet. Curiosity provides scientists with valuable data that helps them better understand Mars's geological history and conditions.
Surprising discovery on mars
The Curiosity rover has been studying the Mount Sharp region for several months, where many minerals, including sulphates, have been discovered. According to IFLScience, the rover accidentally cracked open a rock during one of the expeditions and discovered pure sulphur crystals inside. This unexpected find has caught the attention of scientists because pure sulphur crystals can provide valuable information about past geochemical conditions on Mars.
Pure sulphur had never been seen on Mars before. And although sulphates contain sulphur, there is no clear link between the formation of these molecules and pure crystals. Elemental sulphur crystals only form under specific conditions. None of them were expected in this region.
Scientists want to understand the red planet better
Curiosity, equipped with advanced research instruments such as X-ray spectrometers, high-resolution cameras, and chemical analysis devices, will continue its research, providing us with newer and more detailed information about Mars. The discovery of pure sulphur crystals is another step towards understanding the mysteries of the Red Planet and searching for signs of past life.
"Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert," said Curiosity project scientist Ashwin Vasavada from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in a statement. "It shouldn't be there, so now we have to explain it."
