Mars Rover Examines Rocks
Opportunity, the Mars rover, has made another giant leap for
mankind. On Sunday, the rover took microscopic images of a bedrock
outcropping on the surface of Mars that scientists hope will answer
questions about whether the rock could have formed in
water. The images will help scientists understand what the
environment was like when the rock was formed, said Jim Erickson,
deputy mission manager. The microscopic images and other tests
could shed light on whether water — a key ingredient for life
— ever flowed freely on Mars. NASA used an instrument Monday
to determine the rock's chemical makeup.