NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity has captured intriguing images of oddly-shaped rocks while exploring the Gale Crater. The photographs, taken by the rover’s Mastcam on Sol 3786 (Mars’ equivalent of a day), show rocks that resemble fish bones, branches, and even a squirrel. While some have speculated about the possibility of these being signs of extraterrestrial life, NASA scientists believe they are the result of wind erosion.
Despite Mars’ atmospheric density being less than 1% of Earth’s, strong winds can still cause erosion on the planet’s surface. Mars’ winds carry fine sand particles that act like sandpaper, gradually wearing down the surface of rocks and creating unique shapes. This process is similar to the one that occurs on Earth, but on Mars, the low atmospheric density and weaker gravity allow rocks to last longer and take on more distinct shapes.
Curiosity, which landed near the Gale Crater in 2012, has been exploring the Martian landscape for over a decade. During this time, the rover has analyzed the planet’s geology and soil, searching for evidence of organic materials and conditions that could support microbial life. Its discoveries include evidence of past water flow, methane gas, and nitrates, all of which suggest that Mars may have once had the potential to support life.
While the strange rocks captured by Curiosity are unlikely to be signs of life, they are a reminder of the unique landscape and geological processes that make Mars such an intriguing destination for exploration. As Curiosity continues to send back data and images, NASA scientists eagerly await the next discovery that will help unravel the mysteries of the Red Planet.