The NASA Curiosity rover found crystals of pure elemental sulfur on Mars while exploring an area called Gediz Vallis channel on Mount Sharp.
The sulfur crystals were discovered accidentally when the rover drove over a rock and cracked it open, revealing yellowish-green crystals inside that had never been seen on Mars before.
Analysis of the crystals and surrounding rocks found them to contain unusually pure sulfur, with no other minerals present. This is rare on Earth and unexpected on Mars.
The area where the sulfur crystals were found also contained many small, bright white rocks scattered in a field. Analysis suggested these rocks formed in place rather than being transported.
Studying the geology of the area may help determine how the sulfur formed and what environmental conditions were present on ancient Mars. Possibilities include volcanic or hydrothermal activity.
The discovery adds to evidence that the region Curiosity is exploring experienced multiple periods of water activity and environmental change over time.
Curiosity will continue exploring Gediz Vallis channel and climbing Mount Sharp to investigate more intriguing geological features and gain insights into Mars’ climate evolution.
Source: CNN
