Mars Perseverance Sol 822– Sample Caching System Camera: NASAs Mars Perseverance rover obtained this image using its onboard Sample Caching System Camera (CacheCam), situated inside the rover underbelly. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
NASAs Mars Perseverance rover, after initial failures, effectively acquired a conglomerate rock sample from Otis Peak in Jezero crater, in spite of its crumbly nature. The varied clasts in the corporation, possibly from distant locations, could provide valuable insights into Martian history. The group now sets their sights on Snowdrift Peak.
As previously described, the NASA Perseverance Science Team has been attempting to obtain a sample of a corporation rock unit on top of the fan in Jezero crater. The very first attempt yielded a sample that was regrettably too small, and the second attempt was unsuccessful. Why is this rock so difficult to sample, and why is NASA so bent on obtaining a sample?
A conglomerate rock is of unique interest to the Science Team because they are made up of numerous clasts of rocks. Evaluating the distinct clasts and cements caught in a sample of the corporation would offer insights into where these products were sourced, how far they traveled, and what the Martian environment was like, both when the clasts initially formed and when the conglomerate rock formed.
NASAs Mars Perseverance rover, after preliminary failures, successfully acquired a conglomerate rock sample from Otis Peak in Jezero crater, in spite of its crumbly nature. Why is this rock so hard to sample, and why is NASA so intent on getting a sample?
Evaluating the unique clasts and cements captured in a sample of the conglomerate would provide insights into where these materials were sourced, how far they traveled, and what the Martian environment was like, both when the clasts first formed and when the corporation rock formed.
Looking closely at this image of the sample from the CacheCam, you can see some of the unique colors, denoting various clasts, present in the sample.
These amazing features of a conglomerate are also what made it hard to sample– its crumbly! The clasts appeared loosely held together by a matrix of fine-grained sediment and mineral cement. When the rover tried to sample this rock, the fine-grained matrix most likely broke up and caused the rock to fall apart. Because of the scientific merit of acquiring a sample of this corporation, the group prioritized attempting again … and once again.
And the 3rd time was the beauty! The rover successfully obtained a sample (visualized above) of the corporation at Otis Peak. Looking closely at this image of the sample from the CacheCam, you can see some of the unique colors, signifying different clasts, present in the sample. Each clast will consist of aspects and minerals that can notify scientists about the history of water and rocks in Jezero crater. With another successful sample in the tummy, Perseverance and the Science Team are now looking towards a drive to Snowdrift Peak on the way to the margin unit.