NASA finds rock in coral shape on Mars

O rover Curiosity discovered on Mars a coral rock, nicknamed “Papy“. The formation has been shaped by liquid water billions of years ago and carved by Martian winds. Discovery proves that the red planet had running water for long periodsbut does not indicate a presence of life.

What did the curiosity robot discover on Mars?

NASA’s Rover found a coral rock in July 2025. The team dubbed the discovery of “Papy“. The robot photographed the piece with special cameras five centimeters away. It was the 4,608th day at Curiosity at Mars. This is not the first time the robot has found rocks with strange shapes on the red planet.

How did this rock gained this peculiar format?

There is billions of years, when there was still running water In Mars, the water dissolved minerals and filled cracks in the rock. When the water driedthe minerals were hard in the cracks. Then, for thousands of years, strong winds and sand storms of Mars wear the rock around. This created these forms that look like corals or flowers.

Is this type of formation common in the universe?

Sim, This geological process happens on Earth also. Scientists already know how these structures form. It is a natural and well documented phenomenon. Curiosity has already found other curious rocks on Mars, including one that looked like a flower. There is nothing mysterious in these formations.

Does the discovery indicate that there was already life on Mars?

Not directly. Although the rock proves that jthere was liquid water on Mars for a long timeThis does not mean that there was life on the planet. Water is important to life, but these rocks are only the result of natural geological processes. Scientists No evidence of life in these formations.

Why is this discovery important to science?

The rock helps scientists better understand how Mars has changed over time. It shows that the gale crater, where the robot works, had running water for long periods. These clues are crucial to know the geological history of Mars and how the planet has evolved since its formation.

This text compiled data using the tool Google NotebookLM.