NASA Perseverance rover's latest Mars image excites many "Star Wars" fans.
So that's where Obi-Wan left his lightsaber...@spacedotcom via @howellspace: NASA's Mars Perseverance rover just dropped its 1st sample on the Martian surface https://t.co/Z5EmwH9TP9
— Tariq J. Malik (@tariqjmalik) December 21, 2022
On Dec. 21, the international space union posted a photo of a metal tube on Mars' surface.
Based on its design, the tech looks quite similar to the fictional lightsaber weapon in the "Star Wars" movie franchise.
Not one to brag, but this is pretty momentous. By dropping this one tube to the ground, I’ve officially started setting aside samples that Mars Sample Return could bring back to Earth someday.
— NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) December 21, 2022
Learn more: https://t.co/abNfyxE8Cy pic.twitter.com/SkjzFIn6Kd
Because of this, many fans are asking if this is a real lightsaber.
If you are among the excited and confused "Star Wars" fans, here's what you need to know about the metal tube.
NASA Perseverance Rover's Lightsaber Image
According to Mirror UK's latest report, the latest Mars image captured by the Perseverance rover shows a thin metal tube with a thick end.
Because of its look, many fans think that it is a real lightsaber; the thin tube will release the concentrated energy beam, and the thick end would be the handle.
One small sample tube. Built on Earth by caring humans; filled on Mars by an inquisitive robot. Now it sits waiting for a potential pickup and return journey, not many years from now. #MarsSampleReturn
— NASA Mars (@NASAMars) December 21, 2022
Read more: https://t.co/A9UbFgNyeW pic.twitter.com/t0aEJxhogd
Many fans shared their excitement through Twitter. Some of them even said that it's a good thing that the metal tube didn't fall vertically (a reference from an episode of "Rick and Morty).
At least it didn't drop it excatly vertical (Rick&Morty reference)
— Jon Jarosh (@jarosh_jon) December 22, 2022
Since it is obvious that this metal tube is not a real lightsaber, here's what it really is and how NASA uses the technology.
What is This Lightsaber-Like Metal Tube?
In its official Mars Exploration Program blog post, NASA explained that the lightsaber-like tube is a titanium container used to gather rock samples from Mars.
"Perseverance has been taking duplicate samples from rock targets the mission selects," said the space organization.
NASA said that the tube was placed on the ground since it was being prepared to be brought back to Earth.
The aerospace agency further stated that the Perseverance rover would deposit a total of ten tubes in the next two months.
These titanium tubes will be placed at the location called "Three forks." If you want to learn more about these lightsaber-like metal tubes, you can click here.
While the Perseverance rover is doing its thing, NASA is also busy with its other space activities.
These include bouncing signals off a massive asteroid with 9.6 million radio waves.
The NASA James Webb Space Telescope also revealed how young stars are formed in their early stages.
For more news updates about NASA and its other out-of-this-world missions, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
