Curiosity Views Sulfur Crystals Within a Crushed Rock
NASA's Curiosity rover found yellow sulfur crystals on Mars, a first-time discovery. The crystals, named "Convict Lake," were identified using the Mast Camera. This finding contributes to understanding Mars' geological history.
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NASA's Curiosity rover discovered yellow sulfur crystals on Mars after inadvertently crushing a rock on May 30. Using its Mast Camera, the rover identified these crystals as elemental sulfur, a first-time find on the Red Planet. The crystals, nicknamed "Convict Lake," were observed on June 7 and are about 5 inches across. Elemental sulfur, composed solely of sulfur atoms, differs from sulfur bound to oxygen in sulfates found abundantly in the region. While sulfates indicate past water presence, the origin of elemental sulfur remains unknown. Curiosity's team is investigating geological processes that could have led to its formation. The rover's Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer was used to analyze the rock's composition. This discovery sheds light on Mars' geological history and adds to the understanding of sulfur on the planet. Curiosity, managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, continues to explore Mars, providing valuable insights into the planet's composition and evolution.
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