NASA’s Curiosity rover discovered honeycomb-like polygonal fractures in Mars’ Gale Crater in August, providing new evidence of the planet’s watery past. These textures, measuring 1.5 to 3 inches wide, suggest ancient cycles of temperature change or sediment compression that squeezed water from the surface, according to NASA.
Polygonal Fractures and the Geology of Gale Crater
The rover identified these polygonal shapes spreading across the landscape and wrapping around a 20-foot (6-meter) tall butte known as Miraflores. NASA reports that the butte is topped with a thick cap of sand. Scientists are currently analyzing the chemistry and measurements of these shapes to determine exactly how they formed.
Some of these polygons show signs of past mud cracks. According to NASA, these features likely resulted from cycles of warm and cold temperatures or compression that occurred when the surface was buried, forcing water out of the sediment.
Did you know? Curiosity has been ascending Mount Sharp, a 3-mile-tall (5-kilometer-tall) mountain, since 2014 to study the planet’s evolutionary history.
Searching for Ancient Microbial Life
The discovery of these textures helps scientists understand how water influenced Martian geology billions of years ago. NASA states that lakes and streams once existed in the lower foothills of Mount Sharp, creating an environment that could have supported life.
Curiosity has previously found carbon-based molecules, which NASA identifies as precursors to RNA and DNA. While scientists cannot yet confirm if biological or geological processes created these organic molecules, NASA affirms that ancient Mars possessed the chemistry necessary to sustain life.
Implications for Future Human Colonization
Even if microbial life no longer exists, the locations of ancient water sources are vital for humans who may form colonies on the planet.
Comparison: Biological vs. Geological Origins
| Feature | Geological Explanation | Biological Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Polygonal Fractures | Thermal cycles or sediment compression. | Indicators of wet environments. |
| Organic Molecules | Non-biological chemical reactions. | Precursors to RNA and DNA. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the polygonal fractures on Mars?
They are honeycomb-like textures, 1.5 to 3 inches wide, that likely formed from mud cracks caused by temperature changes or water being squeezed out of sediment.
Where were these images captured?
The images were taken in the Gale Crater, specifically around a butte called Miraflores near Mount Sharp.
Has Curiosity found life on Mars?
No. It has found organic molecules and chemistry that could sustain life, but it has not yet confirmed biological life.
Do you think humans will find evidence of ancient life on Mars in the next decade?
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