Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Perseverance, a robot explorer belonging to the United States Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), succeeded in making a unique discovery on the surface of Mars. This red rock was found in the Serpentine Rapids area about 20 days after driving to Neretva Vallis.
Launching the NASA page on Tuesday (29/10/2024), NASA explained that this rock is called Wallace Butte. Perseverance uses drill bits to create abrasion spots on boulders to collect samples of these rocks.
This exploring robot found striking white, black and green colors in the rock. Of the many colors visible in the rock, the dull green spots stand out most prominently within the abrasion spots.
These spots consist of a dark core with faded light green edges. On Earth, similar patches form when liquid water seeps through sediment before hardening into rock, triggering chemical reactions that convert oxidized iron to its reduced form.
According to NASA, iron reduction reactions also sometimes involve microbes on Earth. Apart from iron reduction, the appearance of green spots can also occur due to rotting organic material resulting in local reduction.
There are many reasons why these green spots appear on Wallace Butte. Some likely involve microbes, so it is important for Perseverance to look more closely at these rocks.
Unfortunately, the rover arm couldn’t examine the green spots more closely to find out their exact composition. Thus, the composition of the rock is still a mystery.
“There is not enough space to safely place the rover arm containing the SHERLOC and PIXL instruments directly above one of the green spots within the abrasion area,” wrote the NASA website.
Previously, Perseverance had taken a detour from Mount Washburn to reach “Bright Angel”, an area within the Neretva Vallis tract. Experts estimate that this area is an ancient river that once flowed into the Jezero Crater.
NASA’s Perseverance Discovers Mystical Martian Rock: Wallace Butte!
Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Hold onto your space helmets, folks! NASA’s Perseverance rover, the prodigy of robot explorers, has just unearthed something that might lead to a cosmic résumé for Mars! This delightful little mech has been busy cruising around the red planet’s Serpentine Rapids area and discovered a quirky rock, aptly named Wallace Butte—like the world’s most adventurous rock star, but with less guitar and more dust!
A Rock Star’s Colorful Life
According to our friends over at NASA (who definitely know how to throw a space party), this rock is a bit of a show-off, flaunting striking colours—white, black, and green! Yes, you heard that right. It’s like a Martian version of a Christmas sweater gone rogue. Among these hues, the dull green spots practically scream for attention, suggesting they may have some secrets tucked away, possibly even the gallery of Martian microbes that we’ve speculated about for ages. Honestly, the drama is palpable—someone get these spots a reality TV show!
What’s Underneath That Green?
Now, what’s particularly interesting is that these illustrious green patches tell a tale of good ole liquid water cutting a swath through sediment before hardening into rock. It’s like tidying up after a big party—water getting all personal and making sure everything is oxidized iron and not a mess. And did we mention the possibility of microbes? Yes, dear readers, there might be little Martian party-goers hidden within these rock formations, invited but uninvited, if you know what I mean—after all, could they have been crashing here since the ancient river days?
The Mystery Thickens!
Despite this rock revelation, we’ve hit a snag—no, not another rock, although that would be poetic! Apparently, Perseverance’s rover arm—the one that sounds like it should have its own driving license—was unable to maneuver close enough to investigate the green spots. Imagine your clumsy friend trying to do a delicate task—that’s the kind of expertise we’re dealing with here. So the composition of Wallace Butte remains a riddle wrapped in an enigma, all neatly packaged on a barren planet. Sell those tickets to the next mystery show!
A Cosmic Detour
Let’s not forget about Perseverance’s little detour through the Martian landscape! Before reaching Wallace Butte, our courageous rover took a scenic route from Mount Washburn to “Bright Angel,” which sounds like a hiking trail but is actually an area in the Neretva Vallis tract. Experts believe this was once a thriving river, flowing strong within the ancient Jezero Crater. Just think—once upon a time, there may have been Martian fish thinking, “Hey, is that an alien over there?!” I bet they made quite the splash!
Conclusion: What Next for Perseverance?
What’s next for our intrepid explorer, Perseverance? Will it get to the bottom of the green enigma? Will the microbes emerge from the shadows and finally introduce themselves? Only time will tell! Meanwhile, keep your eyes on the sky and your curiosity ignited—because if there’s one thing the cosmos has taught us, it’s that you never know when a rock is going to be more than just a rock!
Stay tuned for more updates as our robotic friend continues its quest on the Martian surface. Perhaps one day we’ll solve the mystery of Wallace Butte or at least enjoy Martian rock concerts with a twist of microbial encores!
