An unparalleled white rock was discovered on the surface of Mars by a rover

As he traveled over the ancient Martian riverbed, perseveranceperseverance He fell on a strange stone in the middle of a landscape full of dark rocks, Atoko Point It is already seen as nosenose In the middle of the figure. Atoko PointThis is the nickname given to this mass of light rock Located in Mount Washburn.

An igneous rock formed deep within the Martian crust

Thanks to its SuperCam and Mastcam-Z tools, Perseverance was able to quickly identify the intruder. The data reveals that the block, which measures 45 x 35 cm, consists mainly of PyroxenesPyroxenes And mostly FeldsparFeldsparWhich gives it this light color. Therefore it could be a AnorthositeAnorthositea Volcanic rocksVolcanic rocks Intrusive (also talking about Subterranean rocksSubterranean rocks), which would have crystallized in depth, perhaps on a level ShellShell minimum. This is the first time that the probe has discovered this type of rock on the surface of Mars!

Atoko point It could therefore help scientists better understand how and when the Martian crust formed. It remains to be seen how it gets there!

A mass carried by the river several billion years ago?

There are no thirty-six ways to bring it to lifebumpbump Subterranean rocks. On Mars, we have to rely only on erosion, while on Earth, tectonic movements can also give rise to very deep units. This rock could have resulted from the intrusion of ancient molten rocks found in the Jezero Crater area. But the very isolated location of the block suggests that it was transported, certainly by the river that fed the crater long ago. Therefore this stone could have come from much further away.

New analyzes may help learn more about its origin. These results will allow scientists to know whether it is worth having an operation take samplestake samples From this rock, with the aim of returning it to Earth.