Martian Rock

Description

Microscopic image of the surface of the Martian rock ‘Adirondack’, taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. This is the first microscopic image of a rock on another planet. It shows a smooth and pitted surface. ‘Adirondack’ was chosen by scientists because its clean, flat surface is ideally suited to grinding and close examination. Spirit will use a grinding arm to obtain samples of rock for chemical analysis by its spectrometers. The mineral composition of the rock may reveal how it was formed and whether this area was once covered in water. This image measures 3cm across and was taken in January 2004. (Photo by Science Photo Library)