Curiosity rover mission finds proof of water on Mars

The Mars Curiosity rover has sent back photographs that show evidence of a “vigorous” streambed.

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In this image, the Link, left, an outcrop of rocks on Mars, is compared with rocks on Earth. The image of the Mars rock formation was obtained by NASA's Curiosity rover. Both images show rounded gravel fragments called clasts. Erosion of the outcrop results in the gravel clasts, which fall onto the ground and create a gravel pile like the one seen. The Link image was taken by the rover’s 100-millimeter Mast Camera on Sept. 2.

/ NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS and PSI

This photo, taken by the Curiosity’s 100-millimeter Mast Cam on Sept. 14, shows the Martian rock outcrop the rover team has named Hottah. The formation, which looks like a broken sidewalk, shows evidence of an ancient stream. Scientists theorize that the size and rounded shape of the gravel in and around Hottah serve as evidence of the stream’s presence, while the jagged edges are the result of impact, perhaps from a meteorite.

/ NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

The Link outcrop is shown here under reddish-brown dust. The photo was taken Sept. 2 using the 100-millimeter Mast Cam. The outcrop’s characteristics are consistent with rock formed by the deposition of water.

/ NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

This mosaic was taken using the Curiosity’s 100-millimeter Mast Cam on Sept. 14. The image shows the exposed bedrock of the Hottah outcrop. The grains in the formation are deemed too large to have been moved by wind.

/ NASA/JPL-Caltech

This image, taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), shows the surface of Mars with over-layed text outlining the Link and Hottah rock formations as well as Curiosity’s destination, Glenelg.

/ NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

The topography of the Mars surface is shown around the area where Curiosity landed in early August. The alluvial fan — the area where sediment was deposited on a downward slope — is highlighted in lighter colors. Images captured by the rover’s Mast Cam show what scientists have deemed to be “concrete evidence” that water flowed in this area.

/ ASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

Another image shows the Martian topography and, in the highlighted portion, the alluvial fan near the “landing ellipse” (the black oval). The cross represents Curiosity’s actual landing location. Scientists theorize the fan was formed by water carrying pebbles down slope. The image was taken using the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE).

/ ASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

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