NASA’s Curiosity Rover Uncovers Clues to Mars’ Ancient Atmosphere

NASA’s Curiosity rover has made a significant discovery by identifying large deposits of siderite, an iron carbonate mineral, within sulfate-rich layers of Mount Sharp in Mars’ Gale Crater. This finding provides insights into Mars’ wet and habitable past, suggesting that the planet once had a thicker, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. The presence of siderite helps explain the fate of Mars’ ancient atmosphere and contributes to our understanding of the planet’s evolution.