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Searching for Spherules to Sample
- Perseverance rover has been investigating spherules in the Witch Hazel Hill region of Mars, with clusters of these small bubble-shaped stones found at various locations along its traverse.
- Spherules were first spotted by instruments like Mastcam-Z and SuperCam, presenting different characteristics in terms of density and composition across different outcrops.
- Distinct spherule features were observed at locations such as St. Pauls Bay, Mattie Mitchell, Wreck Apple, Sally's Cove, and Dennis Pond, revealing variations in size and distribution within rocks.
- Due to accessibility challenges at certain outcrops, the team decided to perform an abrasion at the Pine Pond outcrop to examine spherules within the rock interior at Hare Bay.
- Hypotheses for the spherules' origin include volcanic activity or impact-related processes, prompting the team to focus on collecting a sample to analyze their composition and structure further.
- Laboratory analyses of the spherules could provide insights into Mars' geological history, shedding light on the formation and transformation of its surface over billions of years.
- The Perseverance mission aims to solve the mystery surrounding when, where, and how these spherules were formed, contributing to a deeper understanding of Martian geology.
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