NASA's Perseverance rover recently captured a "heavenly" image of a geological feature dubbed "Bright Angel" while exploring the ancient river channel, Neretva Vallis, on Mars.
This area of interest, characterized by light-toned rocky outcrops, sits at the base of the northern channel wall, once a conduit for water flowing into Jezero Crater billions of years ago.
NASA's Perseverance Sees a 'Bright Angel' on Mars
The rover utilized its navigation cameras on June 6, marking the 1,172nd sol of its mission, to document the panoramic view encompassing Bright Angel.
Initially perceived as merely a route free from obstructive boulders, Neretva Vallis has proven to be a treasure trove of geological discoveries for the Perseverance science team, according to NASA.
Following a detour through a dune field to evade boulders and expedite access to Bright Angel, the rover arrived at its destination on June 9. This route adjustment not only reduced the estimated travel time significantly but also presented scientists with the opportunity to uncover intriguing geological formations within the ancient river channel.
Bright Angel's light-toned rocky outcrops hold potential clues about Martian history, believed to either be ancient sediment deposited during the river's active phase or older rock layers exposed through erosion.
This area is critical for the rover's ongoing fourth science campaign, which focused on identifying carbonate and olivine deposits within the "Margin Unit" along Jezero Crater's rim.
In navigating the rough terrain, the team relies on meticulous planning, directing the rover in increments of approximately 100 feet per Martian sol. Perseverance employs its AutoNav system to cover more ground efficiently, although rocky terrain often necessitates careful manual oversight to ensure safe traversal.
The decision to steer toward Bright Angel involved identifying a suitable pathway across the river channel, avoiding potential hazards such as dunes that could impede the rover's progress.
Ancient River on Mars
Scientific interest in exploring the ancient river channel extends beyond geological surveys, encompassing investigations into Martian river processes that shaped the landscape over millennia.
Perseverance's exploration of this terrain is instrumental in uncovering clues about past environmental conditions and the evolution of Jezero Crater. Upon reaching Bright Angel, Perseverance initiated scientific observations, starting with "Mount Washburn," a hill adorned with unique boulders, including the distinctive "Atoko Point."
According to NASA, this speckled, light-toned boulder, analyzed using the rover's advanced instruments, exhibits mineral compositions of pyroxene and feldspar.
The mineral composition and unique characteristics of Atoko Point suggest that it originated either from a subsurface magma body exposed on the crater rim or as a transported rock carried by ancient Martian waters.
Its discovery underscores the diversity of geological features within Jezero Crater and prompts further inquiry into Martian geological history. Following investigations at Mount Washburn, Perseverance continued northward to scrutinize "Tuff Cliff" before embarking on a multi-sol journey to Bright Angel, spanning approximately 1,985 feet.
NASA said current activities include detailed analysis of rocky outcrops to evaluate the feasibility of collecting core samples for deeper geological study.
As Perseverance delves deeper into its exploration of Bright Angel and surrounding areas, NASA anticipates further revelations that could shed light on Mars' ancient past and its potential for harboring evidence of past microbial life.
