Mars Rovers Perseverance & Curiosity Show Different Views of Red Planet

Two NASA rovers on Mars, Perseverance and Curiosity, are capturing different 360-degree views. Perseverance has found 7 new carbon molecules in its samples.
By Newsroom | Space Exploration, Mars |

PLANETARY SCIENCE CONTINUES WITH ROVER DATA

The Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, positioned thousands of miles apart on Mars, are each generating unique, 360-degree visual records that illuminate different facets of the planet's history and composition. These panoramas offer insights into Mars' formation and its past watery environments.

NASA's twin Mars rovers, Perseverance and Curiosity, are capturing distinct 360-degree landscapes, providing complementary views of the Red Planet's evolution, past water activity, and potential for life.

Perseverance is actively examining carbon-containing molecules within its collected samples. Of the 21 such molecules identified, seven are being detected on Mars for the first time. Scientists anticipate bringing these samples back to Earth for more thorough analysis with instruments too large and complex for Martian deployment. Currently, Perseverance carries 23 samples internally, with an additional set of 10 tubes secured in a separate depot.

Read More: Jordan Signs NASA Artemis Accords for Peaceful Space Exploration

GEOLOGICAL INSIGHTS FROM THE RED PLANET

The mountain visible in some panoramas, rising three miles above the crater floor, is understood to have formed from sediment layers deposited within ancient lakes.

PERSEVERANCE'S TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The Perseverance rover is also demonstrating new technological capabilities. A system known as 'Mars Global Localization', developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, allows the rover to pinpoint its location without relying on GPS, a technology absent on Mars. This system was used in capturing recent panoramic imagery. Perseverance has covered nearly 25 miles and conducted numerous abrasion tests, marked by a small white circle on its equipment.

CURIOSITY'S PAST OBSERVATIONS

Earlier findings from the Curiosity rover's team indicated that the mineral siderite may have sequestered carbon dioxide from a thicker, earlier Martian atmosphere.

BACKGROUND:

The Perseverance rover, alongside its aerial companion, is tasked with studying Martian geology and searching for signs of past microbial life. Its mission goals align with understanding the planet's potential for life, both past and present. The Curiosity rover has been actively imaging its surroundings in Gale Crater. The rovers are located approximately 2,345 miles apart on the Martian surface. Recent panoramic captures by Curiosity utilized its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera.

Read More: Moon Missions Help Prepare Humans for Mars

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the NASA Mars rovers Perseverance and Curiosity doing differently?
Perseverance and Curiosity rovers are taking unique 360-degree pictures from different parts of Mars. These views help scientists understand the planet's history and if water was there before.
Q: What new things has the Perseverance rover found in its samples?
Perseverance has found 21 molecules containing carbon in its samples. Seven of these carbon molecules are being seen on Mars for the first time. Scientists want to bring these samples back to Earth for more study.
Q: How many samples is Perseverance carrying?
Perseverance is currently carrying 23 samples inside the rover. It also has 10 more sample tubes stored in a safe place on Mars.
Q: What is the big mountain seen in the rover pictures?
The mountain seen in some pictures is about three miles high. Scientists think it was formed by layers of dirt that settled in old lakes on Mars.
Q: What new technology is Perseverance using to know where it is?
Perseverance is using a new system called 'Mars Global Localization'. This system helps the rover find its exact spot on Mars without needing GPS, which is not available on the planet.
Q: What did the Curiosity rover find about Mars' past air?
The Curiosity rover found that a mineral called siderite might have trapped carbon dioxide from Mars's thicker air a long time ago.