NASA Discovers Pure Sulphur on Mars

NASA's Curiosity rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, identifying rocks composed of pure sulphur, marking what scientists describe as the "most unexpected" find in the rover's 12-year mission. This discovery is particularly intriguing as it suggests the potential for ancient life on the red planet, although it does not provide definitive proof. The mission, part of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) launched in November 2011, aimed to explore the planet's geology and assess its habitability. The sulphur-rich rocks were found in a region that the science team specifically targeted for exploration, highlighting the importance of this area in understanding Mars' past. NASA noted that Curiosity encountered an entire field of these bright sulphur rocks, which resemble a sample the rover previously crushed. This finding adds to the growing body of evidence that Mars may have once harbored conditions suitable for life. Curiosity, the fourth NASA rover sent to Mars since 1996, is the largest and most advanced robot ever deployed to the planet. Its ongoing mission continues to yield significant insights into the Martian environment, contributing to our understanding of the planet's history and the possibility of life beyond Earth. As the rover continues its exploration, scientists remain hopeful that further analysis of these sulphur rocks will provide more clues about Mars' ancient climate and geological processes, potentially reshaping our understanding of the planet's capacity to support life.