As we reported months ago, Perseverance obtained an unwanted hitchhiker– a rock– stuck in one of its wheels in February. Back on sol 341– thats over 100 sols earlier, in early February– a rock discovered its method into the rovers front left wheel, and because hitching a ride, its been carried more than 5.3 miles (8.5 km). Back on sol 341, we were still in our Crater Floor Campaign, where we took a look at rocks that are part of the “Máaz” development, which we believe is made up of lava circulations. Determinations pet rock is now a long method from house.
Mars Perseverance Sol 413– Front Left Hazard Avoidance Camera: Perseverances animal rock has actually had some excellent views of Kodiak, a delta remnant, along its travels.
For the past 4 months, Perseverance has had an unexpected traveling buddy. Back on sol 341– thats over 100 sols ago, in early February– a rock discovered its way into the rovers front left wheel, and because riding, its been carried more than 5.3 miles (8.5 km). This rock isnt doing any damage to the wheel, but throughout its (no doubt rough!) journey, it has stuck on and made routine looks in our left Hazcam images.
Mars Perseverance Sol 343– Front Left Hazard Avoidance Camera: A rock in the front left wheel of Perseverance on Sol 343, image was obtained on February 6, 2022 (Sol 343). Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Some 18 years ago, a “potato-sized” rock found its way into the Spirit rovers rear best wheel, and had actually to be dislodged. While its uncertain precisely how long these rocks stuck around, they tended to hop off after a couple of weeks.
MSL Curiosity had a rock stuck in its wheel in June 2017. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Perseverances family pet rock has seen a lot on its travels. Back on sol 341, we were still in our Crater Floor Campaign, where we examined rocks that belong to the “Máaz” development, which our company believe is comprised of lava circulations. If this family pet rock might talk, it might inform us about the modifications its observed as we traveled back north through the Octavia E. Butler landing site, and after that west, passing the amazing remains of the previous degree of the delta, “Kodiak,” on our journey to the western Jezero delta. Were now in the Delta Front Campaign, and we just abraded what may be our very first sedimentary rock. Perseverances animal rock is now a long way from home.
Mars Perseverance Sol 413– Front Left Hazard Avoidance Camera: Perseverances family pet rock has had some excellent views of Kodiak, a delta residue, along its journeys. Image taken using the Front Left Haz Avoidance Camera (Hazcam), gotten on April 19, 2022 (Sol 413). Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Where might this pet rock end its journey? Its possible that the rock may fall out at some point along our future ascent of the crater rim. If it does so, it will land amongst rocks that we anticipate to be really different from itself. As one of our staff member quipped today, “we might confuse a future Mars geologist who discovers it out of location!”
So: if youre a Martian geologist from the future reading this, perhaps a Martian college student entrusted with mapping the archaeological site of Jezero crater: take follow. If youve discovered a rock that keeps an eye out of place, you might just be looking at the previous animal rock of Perseverance!
Composed by Eleni Ravanis, Student Collaborator at University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa.
Mars Perseverance Sol 449– Front Left Hazard Avoidance Camera: The very same rock still in the rovers front left wheel on sol 449, image gotten on May 26, 2022 (Sol 449). Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
How do you choose a rock on Mars? Often you do not– it selects you.
As we reported months ago, Perseverance obtained an unwanted hitchhiker– a rock– stuck in one of its wheels in February. What is unexpected is that the rock is still there, riding on the left front wheel for over 5 miles. It isnt doing any damage.
NASAs Mars Perseverance Rover has six wheels, each powered by its own individual motor. For the right mix of resilience, weight, and strength, the wheels are built of aluminum, with some titanium elements. This makes them strong enough to withstand the bumping and scraping from the rock.