On November 20, 2024, NASA's Curiosity rover is set to explore a unique geological feature on Mars known as 'Boxwork,' which likely formed from warm underground water billions of years ago. This area presents potential insights into the existence of ancient microbial life on the Red Planet.
The rover, which has traveled approximately 600 million kilometers since its launch in 2011, recently encountered pure sulfur at its previous site, Gediz Vallis. The discovery of this sulfur, typically associated with volcanic gases and hot springs on Earth, raises intriguing questions about the geological processes at play on Mars.
Curiosity's upcoming journey to Boxwork aims to investigate whether the minerals found there could indicate the presence of ancient life. Scientists believe that the Boxwork structure formed as minerals from the last remnants of water seeped into rock fractures, solidifying over time. The exploration of this region could provide vital clues about Mars' ancient environment and its capacity to support life.