NASA’s Perseverance rover has made an extraordinary discovery on the Martian surface: a shiny, metallic rock that may be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid. The rock, nicknamed ‘Phippsaksla,’ stands out from the surrounding terrain, prompting scientists to investigate its origins. Preliminary tests suggest it contains high levels of iron and nickel, common elements found in meteorites that have fallen to both Mars and Earth.
According to a new blog post on the rover’s mission page, the rock has been identified as a potential extraterrestrial visitor, making it the first such find for the Perseverance mission. Previous rovers like Curiosity, Opportunity, and Spirit have uncovered similar meteorites on the Martian surface, but Perseverance’s discovery is significant for its unique composition and location outside Jezero crater. The presence of iron and nickel in the rock is a strong indicator of a meteorite origin, as these elements are typically found together only in materials formed deep within asteroids.
Scientists are using Perseverance’s SuperCam instrument to study the rock in greater detail. This advanced tool fires a laser to analyze the chemical composition of the target, allowing researchers to detect elements from a distance. If confirmed as a meteorite, this discovery would mark a milestone for the mission, which has been exploring Mars for nearly four years in search of signs of ancient microbial life. The findings could also provide crucial insights into how meteorites interact with the Martian surface and evolve over time.
The location of Phippsaksla, perched on ancient impact-formed bedrock, may offer additional clues about its formation and how it reached Mars. The discovery adds to the growing list of meteorites identified by NASA’s Mars missions, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the planet’s geological history and the potential role of celestial impacts in shaping the Martian environment. As the rover continues its exploration, the findings could inform future missions, including plans for human exploration of Mars.
Perseverance, the most advanced robotic explorer to date, traveled 293 million miles to reach Mars after launching on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida on July 30, 2020. The rover landed in Jezero crater on February 18, 2021, where it has been conducting extensive scientific investigations. Built at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it is equipped with seven instruments, a robotic arm, and a drill capable of collecting samples that could one day be returned to Earth.
While the recent find is remarkable, it is part of a broader effort to understand the Martian landscape and its potential to support life. The rover’s mission includes gathering data that will help NASA prepare for future human exploration of the planet, particularly in the 2030s. The significance of Phippsaksla extends beyond its physical properties, highlighting the ongoing search for answers about the origins of materials in the solar system and the possibilities of life beyond Earth.