Official NASA announcements and publications

NASA's MarsCuriosity Rover Discovers Pure Sulfur in 41st Sample Hole

Jul 18, 2024, 06:42 PM

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has announced a significant discovery by the Curiosity Rover on Mars. The rover, currently exploring the Gediz Vallis channel along Mount Sharp, has drilled its 41st sample hole and discovered rocks made of pure sulfur, a first on Mars. The MarsCuriosity rover humorously noted the discovery with a 'Cronch' sound, emphasizing the elemental sulfur found. This discovery could provide new insights into the planet's geological history and potential for past life. Meanwhile, other NASA missions are making strides in the search for extraterrestrial life. The Juno spacecraft has detected signs of salts and organic compounds on Ganymede, which may indicate conditions conducive to life. Additionally, experiments suggest that organic molecules could survive just under the surface ice of the moons Europa and Enceladus, despite exposure to harsh radiation. These findings are encouraging for future missions aiming to detect signs of life in our solar system.