NASA's Perseverance Rover Discovers Mysterious Stone 'Skull Hill' on Mars

mars - Perseverance rover finds an unusual rock, Skull Hill, on Mars, puzzling scientists with its unique features and origin. Analysis suggests it may not be a meteorite but possibly a volcanic rock.

NASA's Perseverance Rover Discovers Mysterious Stone 'Skull Hill' on Mars

NASA's Perseverance rover has made a remarkable discovery on Mars, finding a peculiar rock named Skull Hill that stands out from its surroundings in terms of shape and structure.

Unusual Rock Formation

The rock, spotted on April 11 on a slope named Witch Hazel Hill at the edge of the Jezero crater, appears starkly different with its dark hue, angular surface, and small dimples, according to NASA.

Scientists are puzzled by how this rock, displaying features possibly shaped by erosion or wind, ended up in this location.

Origin Theories

Initial analysis using Perseverance's 'SuperCam' ruled out the possibility of Skull Hill being a meteorite due to its chemical composition lacking high iron and nickel content typical of space rocks.

One hypothesis suggests the rock could be an igneous rock formed from the cooling of lava or magma millions or even billions of years ago.

Further tests are planned to determine the true origin of this enigmatic rock, leveraging Perseverance's analytical instruments.

Margaret Deahn, a Purdue University researcher collaborating with NASA, highlights the rover's capabilities in analyzing Martian rocks.

The New York Post reports that additional examinations will be conducted to unveil the secrets held by Skull Hill.