APOD: 2026 July 21 Б Turtle Rock on Mars
Explanation:
Is this a fossilized turtle on Mars?
No.
Although resembling a large
Earth tortoise,
this is a layered rock outcrop on
Mars that is
estimated to span about 15 meters, making it much larger than
turtles on Earth.
NASAБs robotic
Curiosity rover came across
this unusual mound, dubbed Miraflores,
last month during its 4922nd Martian day exploring Mars.
The
small butte may survive
because it was somehow more resistant to
erosion than surrounding rock.
More recent wind has now covered its top with
orange
Martian sand.
Below the top shell, many layers of
stratified rock are
visible, possibly indicating a long history of
intermittent
wind-blown sand
being deposited and then hardened by ground water.
Similar wind-eroded layered landforms, such as yardangs in the Qaidam Desert of
China, exist here on Earth.
Curiosity and its companion
rover Perseverance continue to investigate the
ancient history of Mars as well as
searching for signs of
primeval life.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
