NASA's Perseverance rover just uploaded a new batch of photos from its adventures on Mars, this time offering a close look at some of the planet's fascinating rock formations. Of all the planets in our Solar System, Mars has repeatedly proven to be one of the most fascinating. Whether it be the close proximity to Earth or the idea that its atmosphere was once habitable, Mars often finds itself making the headlines for one reason or another.
As of late, a majority of Mars-related discoveries have been coming from the Perseverance rover. Launched by NASA in July 2020 and landing on Mars this February, Perseverance is on a mission to find signs of ancient life on the Red Planet. In just a few short months, Perseverance has already collected its first couple of rock samples, traversed challenging Martian 'roads,' and sent back thousands of pictures all along the way.
One of the new photos (seen above) offers an incredible look at some of Mars' many rock formations. Captured with Perseverance's Left Navigation Camera high atop its mast, the picture shines a lot of just how rocky and sandy the Martian surface really is. The rolling sand dunes have swirling patterns, there's a wide variety of rocks scattered on top of them, and the yellow sky in the background reminds us just how different Mars truly is from our home here on Earth.
Another, Even Closer Look At Martian Rocks
If that first photo isn't enough, the one right above offers an even closer look at some of those Martian rocks. The group of rocks in the center of the photo has a lot going on with it. There's a large rock jutting out from the dusty surface, with various differently-sized rocks sitting atop it. On areas that aren't covered by the planet's red/orange dust, a close look reveals a slight reflective nature on some of the rocks.
It's no longer a surprise that Perseverance is capable of taking incredible pictures. Even so, it's always a treat whenever the rover returns with new sights like this to behold. With these photos uploaded, Perseverance can get to work on the next part of its mission. The rover is currently in the South Séítah region and is now parked to conduct its "next round of Mars science." More specific details about Perseverance's next tasks should be coming soon, but in the meantime, sit back and enjoy the photos.