NASA's Perseverance rover has embarked on a challenging ascent to the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, marking the start of a new phase of exploration. The rover will climb approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters) over the next few months, traversing steep slopes and encountering potential hazards along the way.
[Image of Perseverance rover on Mars]
The goal of this mission is to collect rock samples that may reveal clues about the planet's ancient climate and potential past life. Jezero Crater is believed to have once been a lake, and the rover's ascent will take it through areas that were likely once filled with water.
The crater rim is also home to light-toned outcrops, which scientists believe may be similar to those observed at Bright Angel, where an ancient river flowed billions of years ago. By exploring these outcrops, the rover may be able to learn more about the history of Mars's water cycle and the potential for life to have existed on the planet.
The Perseverance rover is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments, including a drill, a spectrometer, and a camera. These instruments will be used to collect and analyze rock samples, as well as to take images of the Martian landscape.
The ascent to the crater rim is expected to be a challenging one, but the potential rewards are great. If the rover can successfully reach the top, it will have access to a unique geological environment that could provide valuable insights into Mars' past.