The Perseverance rover is an unstoppable surface explorer on Mars. Recently, it has discovered a new mystery that has grabbed the attention of scientists across the world: mysterious green spots on Mars. After analyzing the unique “leopard spots” in the “Bright Angel” region and crossing the Neretva Vallis, the rover found a very striking geological formation called “Serpentine Rapids.”
A Vibrant Discovery
Red rocks filled the scene as Serpentine Rapids opened up its canvas to Perseverance. That wasn’t exactly the normal view surrounding the Martian landscape, however. Curiosity led the team to want Perseverance to investigate it further. The team placed a 5-cm-diameter abrading tool scratch patch on “Wallace Butte,” the outcrop. The abrading exposed the surface, showing the white, black, and amazing green.
The Enigmatic Green
The mysterious green spots on Mars were intriguing. In ancient “red beds” on Earth, iron-rich water flows through rock layers, creating commonly seen analogous green spots. This process chemically reduces the oxidized iron to a greenish color. This process can occur naturally. However, it can also be influenced by microbial activity or the decay of organic matter.
A Martian Puzzle
However, the source of these green mysterious green spots on Mars is yet unknown. The rover’s advanced instruments, SHERLOC and PIXL, could not be placed precisely on the green spots as the terrain was too rugged. Scientists have speculated much regarding the composition of the green material as well.
A Glimpse Into Mars’ Past
The Perseverance has enhanced our understanding of Mars’ geological history, particularly within the walls of Jezero Crater, a once-water-filled area. Studies by the rover across such an ancient lakebed continue to unveil details of Mars’s past climate and possibly supported life.
As Perseverance is carried up Jezero Crater’s steep rim step by step, the Science Team waits for more new surprises. The rover’s discoveries advance closer to unlocking the Mars mystery, potentially revealing past or present life on the planet.
