NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has successfully reached Gediz Vallis Ridge, a formation that preserves evidence of one of the last wet periods on Mars. After three previous attempts, the rover finally arrived at the ridge on its fourth try, capturing a 360-degree panoramic mosaic of the area.
Believed to be remnants of powerful ancient debris flows, Gediz Vallis Ridge has long been a destination sought by the rover’s science team. Around three billion years ago, during one of Mars’ last wet periods, debris flows carried mud and boulders down the side of a mountain. As the debris spread, it formed a fan that was later eroded by wind, resulting in the formation of the towering ridge.
Curiosity has been ascending the lower part of Mount Sharp, a 3-mile-tall mountain, since 2014. Along the way, the rover has discovered evidence of ancient lakes and streams, providing insights into the planet’s history. Different layers of the mountain represent different eras of Martian history, and the Gediz Vallis Ridge is one of the youngest geological formations the rover will encounter.
Reaching the ridge was no easy task for Curiosity. Previous attempts were hindered by knife-edged rocks and steep slopes. However, after one of the mission’s most challenging climbs, the rover arrived at an area where it could study the ridge using its robotic arm.
During its 11-day stay at the ridge, Curiosity collected valuable data, including capturing images of dark rocks that originated from higher levels of Mount Sharp. These rocks provide scientists with rare insights into the composition of the upper mountain.
The rover’s arrival at the ridge also allowed scientists to study the eroded remnants of a debris flow fan, a common feature on Mars and Earth. Understanding how these fans form is crucial for scientists studying natural hazards on both planets.
Curiosity’s Mastcam captured 136 images of the scene at Gediz Vallis Ridge, creating a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. The images also show the path the rover took up the mountainside, including through Marker Band Valley, where evidence of an ancient lake was discovered.
While scientists continue to analyze the data from the ridge, Curiosity has already set its sights on its next challenge: finding a path to the channel above the ridge to further investigate the flow of water down Mount Sharp.
Curiosity was built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is managed by the California Institute of Technology. The rover’s mission is led by JPL on behalf of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.