Â
Sponsored by
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Mars rover's peek at rock turns up a curiosity
Posted: Oct 11, 2012 2:26 PM by The Associated Press
Updated: Oct 11, 2012 2:27 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - The first rock nuzzled by NASA's Mars Curiosity rover is turning out to be a bit more unusual than scientists thought it would be.
Curiosity used its robot arm to touch at a football-sized pyramid-shaped rock for the first time two weeks ago. It also shot the rock dozens of times with a laser.
The results surprised scientists. They said Thursday that it is not like other rocks seen on Mars. It has more sodium and potassium.
Scientist Edward Stolper (STOHL'-pur) said the rock is more like rare volcanic rocks seen on Earth in places like Hawaii. Those rocks are formed under high pressure, deep underground and once contained water.
Scientists don't know how old the Martian rock is.
PLEASE HELP US MODERATE COMMENTS
Offensive or inappropriate comments are subject to removal. To report a comment, please e-mail us at feedback@ksby.com, and include the name of the story and information on the comment.
Thank you! KSBY.com
KSBY.COM VIDEOS
-
Watch as a local meteorologist tracks the path of deadly tornado as it hits Moore, Oklahoma
Views: 241 May 21, 2013 -
Toddler who lost feet in lawnmower accident meets the dolphin famous for her prosthetic tail
Views: 51 May 20, 2013
Comments