During the two-sol planning day, the Curiosity science team stumbled upon ‘Pinnacle Ridge’ and the upper Gediz Vallis Ridge (uGVR). The team was thrilled to observe two distinct types of rocks in their workspace – light-toned layered rocks and darker toned rocks. Geologists were particularly excited by this discovery, as it hinted at the possibility that these rocks were formed in different environments and composed of different materials.
Now, the team is faced with a challenge – to determine how these two types of rock ended up next to each other. This task will require the full suite of instruments at their disposal. Unfortunately, a wheel issue prevented them from safely unstowing the arm, but they made the decision to adjust the wheels and hopefully conduct full contact science on Wednesday.
The discovery of these two types of rocks presents an intriguing puzzle for the Curiosity team, sparking curiosity and excitement among scientists. By closely examining these rocks and utilizing their instruments, they hope to uncover clues about their history and formation. Despite setbacks like wheel issues, they remain determined to unlock these mysteries and gain valuable insights into geology on Mars.
Overall, this discovery offers a rare opportunity for scientists to study different rock formations in close proximity on Mars. With perseverance and overcoming challenges, they are poised to conduct important scientific research that will further our understanding of this fascinating planet.