In the month NASAs Perseverance rover made an interesting discovery during its exploration of Mars Jezero Crater. It came across a rock that resembles a donut shape. The Jezero Crater, which scientists believe was once a dried up lake is located about 330 feet away from where the rover found this rock. Measuring around ten inches in diameter and featuring a hole in the middle this rock has sparked curiosity among researchers.
The unusual appearance of this rock has left scientists puzzled leading to a quest to understand how such a formation could exist on the desolate Martian landscape. Experts hold views on its origin. Some suggest that it might be a meteorite with its shape being the result of its descent through Mars atmosphere. On the hand there are those who argue that it could be remnants from the rivers that once flowed across Mars.
Jim Rice, an assistant research scientist at Arizona State Universitys School of Earth and Space Exploration shared his thoughts on the matter during an interview, with CNN. He mentioned that while he cannot completely rule out the possibility of it being a meteorite he finds it highly unlikely.
He explained, "I believe this because we come across rocks, in this area often that have similar hollowed out insides."
Even though Rice suggested that Perseverance should spend time studying the rock up close the team operating the rover has not disclosed any plans to do so. It's disappointing since without exploration we might never discover the true origins of this mysterious rock.
References: CNN, Futurism
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