By studying the leopard-like spots on rocks from Earth and Mars now, scientists will be ready to analyze returned space samples when they arrive. In 2024, NASA’s Perseverance rover retrieved an unusual rock sample from Mars. Named Sapphire Canyon, the specimen stands out for its striking pattern: pale, leopard-like spots with dark outlines set against […]



Summary

Scientists are studying Earth rocks with leopard-like spots to prepare for analyzing unique Mars samples. NASA’s Perseverance rover collected “Sapphire Canyon,” a Martian rock exhibiting a distinctive spotted pattern: pale spots with dark outlines. By understanding how similar patterns form on Earth, researchers aim to decode the geological processes that created Sapphire Canyon. This research will be crucial for interpreting returned Mars samples and gaining insights into the planet’s history, including potentially habitable environments. The Earth-based studies provide a valuable baseline for identifying biosignatures and other significant geological features in the Martian rocks.

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