NASA rover climbs rocky hill to snap incredible picture of Mars vista

697     0
The photograph showed rock formations sprawling across the red planet
The photograph showed rock formations sprawling across the red planet's hills (Image: Twitter)

NASA has revealed a stunning picture of Mars taken by the Curiosity Rover exploring the red planet.

In a photograph shared on X (formerly Twitter), the team operating the Rover showed a wonderful view of the landscape of the Red Planet, with thousands of white and grey rocks sprawling across several hills. The picture was paired with a caption, reading: "If your path ahead is rocky, I feel you. We got this."

The photograph was taken as the Curiosity Rover on Mars explored the Gale Crater and its intriguing geological formations. According to the updates shared on the mission's website, high-resolution images from the Rover's HiRISE camera revealed a section of Mt. Sharp characteriaed by alternating bands of light and grey/dark rocks.

READ MORE: 'Earth-like' planet could be hiding in our solar system: new research

The team explained that these distinctive colour variations stem from a combination of factors. Different minerals present in the rocks reflect light differently, leading to varied colours. For example, rocks rich in iron oxides might appear reddish, while those with calcium sulphate could appear white.

'Weird' comet heading towards the sun could be from another solar system eidqidrxiktinv'Weird' comet heading towards the sun could be from another solar system

For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US

NASA rover climbs rocky hill to snap incredible picture of Mars vistaCuriosity rover climbed up on a hill and took a snap of the gorgeous view (Twitter)

Chemical processes on Mars, such as oxidation or hydration, can also alter the minerals in rocks, leading to colour changes, the scientists explained. Mechanical and wind-driven erosion can also expose different layers of rock, each with its unique colour, creating a banded appearance. Finally, varying amounts of sand and dust deposition can cover the rocks, creating a subtle colour difference.

Back in April, NASA discovered bizarre bone-like structures on Mars which have been likened to a dragon-like martian. Photos taken by Curiosity showed the strange objects sticking out of the rocky surface of the Red Planet.

Guesses at what is shown in the images range from fish bone fossils to a dragon-like creature. Others suggest Martian winds may have eroded the rocks over a large expanse of time. Astrobiologist Nathalie Cabrol wrote online: "In 20 years of studying Mars, that's the most bizarre rock I have ever seen. I cannot wait to have a microscopic image of this one."

Just last week, NASA's Perseverance rover captured a stunning image of a two-kilometre-high dust 'devil' on Mars. The spectacle, resembling a towering 'devil', was observed as part of the rover's atmospheric exploration of Jezero Crater.

Perseverance, the six-wheeled geologist robot, documented the lower portion of the dust devil as it gracefully moved across the Martian landscape, stretching from east to west at a speed of about 19 kilometres per hour (12 mph) along "Thorofare Ridge" on August 30.

Unlike Earth's tornadoes, these Martian dust devils are much weaker but significantly larger, making them vital subjects of study for scientists aiming to comprehend the intricacies of the Martian atmosphere. Dust devils on Mars, akin to their terrestrial counterparts, form when warm air rises and mixes with descending cooler air, generating rotating columns of dust. Despite their weaker nature compared to Earth's tornadoes, these Martian whirlwinds can grow to extraordinary heights, as demonstrated by the two-kilometre-high dust devil spotted by Perseverance.

Vassia Barba

Space, Nasa, Mars Curiosity rover

Read more similar news:

05.02.2023, 09:37 • News
Scientists to launch brand new solar panels into space to solve energy crisis
08.02.2023, 22:00 • News
Stargazers' warning as rising light pollution worldwide blinks out night's skies
10.02.2023, 11:17 • News
Elon Musk claims it's 'highly likely' humans will go to Mars in the next decade
11.02.2023, 23:18 • News
Boffins believe aliens made contact after spinning object sends bleeps to earth
17.02.2023, 15:12 • News
Astronomers pick up eight mystery radio signals that could be coming from aliens
22.02.2023, 12:22 • World
Meteor strike leaves astronaut and cosmonauts facing entire year stuck in space
23.02.2023, 11:00 • More
New two-person cabin will let you visit space without a billionaire's budget
23.02.2023, 14:39 • News
Plans to grow food on the moon - just like Matt Damon did in The Martian
24.02.2023, 09:08 • News
Supermassive black hole lurking at edge of universe one of biggest ever detected
04.01.2023, 12:00 • News
Aliens not contacted Earth because there's no sign of intelligence, study claims