Curiosity rover finds unexpected pure sulfur crystals on Mars

The Curiosity rover was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on November 26, 2011. It has been on Mars since August 6, 2012, when it safely landed in Gale Crater. Since then, Curiosity has been continuously studying the surface of Mars, delivering invaluable information to scientists.

Its mission is to study the surface of Mars, analyze rocks and soil, and search for evidence of past life on the planet. Curiosity provides scientists with crucial data that helps them understand the geological history and conditions of Mars.

Curiosity has been studying the Mount Sharp region for several months, where many minerals, including sulfates, have been discovered. According to IFLScience, during one of its excursions, the rover accidentally split a rock and found pure sulfur crystals inside. This unexpected find caught the attention of scientists because pure sulfur crystals can offer valuable information about past geochemical conditions on Mars.

Pure sulfur had never been seen on Mars before. Although sulfates contain sulfur, there is no clear connection between the formation of these molecules and pure crystals. Elemental sulfur crystals only form under specific conditions, none of which were anticipated in this region.

Equipped with advanced research instruments, such as X-ray spectrometers, high-resolution cameras, and chemical analysis devices, Curiosity will continue its research, providing us with newer and more detailed information about Mars. The discovery of pure sulfur crystals is another step toward understanding the mysteries of the Red Planet and searching for traces of past life.

"Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert," said Curiosity project scientist Ashwin Vasavada from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in a statement. "It shouldn't be there, so now we have to explain it."