Last week, the team wished to sample Bettys Rock, a layered rock comprised of alternating fine-grained and coarse-grained materials. It appears that Bettys Rock originated from the Rocky Top outcrop numerous meters above, breaking free and landing near the bottom of the delta front at some point in the past. This target was interesting, the group soon discovered that its jagged layers and uncomfortable shape avoided the rover from safely steering its arm and placing the corer on the target to drill and abrade.
After looking around the work space, the team spotted Skinner Ridge Rock, a low-lying rock that looks really similar to Bettys Rock, however with a much more approachable shape for potential abrasion and coring. Exploring Mars can be a lot of work, but its called Perseverance for a factor!
Written by Denise Buckner, Student Collaborator at the University of Florida.
Determination sizes up Bettys Rock on Sol 477 (June 23, 2022): This fascinating layered rock most likely stemmed from an outcrop above, however its rough surface and sharp angles avoided Perseverance from collecting a core. Rather, we will bump to Skinner Ridge Rock, a close-by target that looks comparable to Bettys Rock however is likely more approachable for sampling. Last week, the team hoped to sample Bettys Rock, a layered rock made up of rotating grainy and fine-grained products. After looking around the office, the group identified Skinner Ridge Rock, a low-lying rock that looks very comparable to Bettys Rock, however with a much more friendly shape for potential abrasion and coring.
Perseverance measure Bettys Rock on Sol 477 (June 23, 2022): This intriguing layered rock most likely originated from an outcrop above, but its rough surface and sharp angles prevented Perseverance from gathering a core. Rather, we will bump to Skinner Ridge Rock, a neighboring target that looks similar to Bettys Rock but is likely more approachable for sampling. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
NASAs Mars Perseverance rover has a big task to do while roaming throughout Jezero and checking out the Delta Front, which is project # 2 of the mission. One of the significant objectives of this mission (and project) is looking for proof of past Martian life, and we know from researching deltas on Earth that fine-grained clay-rich rocks in these environments are some of the very best at preserving ancient biomarkers. Biomarkers, or “molecular fossils,” are complicated natural molecules produced by life and preserved in rock for up to billions of years for specific molecular classes.
Determination is pursuing this objective by drilling core samples that will ultimately be gone back to Earth where future researchers can analyze them in advanced laboratories. In these laboratories, they will utilize instruments and methods efficient in identifying and drawing out organics to characterize their molecular structures in detail. These investigations can help in figuring out whether any natural particles included in Martian delta rocks are biomarkers or abiotic (non-biological) organics. Test return is among the most important techniques this mission is using to probe for evidence of previous life in Jezero!
Perseverance and the research study and engineering groups are working together to pick the ideal rocks to core, utilizing a suite of onboard instruments to understand mineralogy, elemental circulations, and identify whether organic molecules are present. Often, delicate materials fracture, fracture, or even collapse during the abrasion and coring procedure, and other rocks have challenging shapes and angles that make drilling challenging or impossible.