List of rocks on Mars
Martian rocks andoutcropshave been studiedin-situby variouslandersandrovers.While many of the rocks identified on the Martian surface are similar to each other, some have been considered scientifically important or otherwise notable and have been subjected to more extensive study or public interest.
Names for Marsrocksare largely unofficial designations used for ease of discussion purposes, as theInternational Astronomical Union's officialMartian naming systemdeclares that objects smaller than 100 m (330 ft) are not to be given official names.[1]Because of this, some less significant rocks seen in photos returned by Mars rovers have been named more than once, and others have even had their names changed later due to conflicts or even matters of opinion among researchers. Often rocks are named after the children or family members of astronauts or NASA employees.[citation needed]
The rocks at the landing site of theSojournerrover were given names of cartoon characters. Among them were Pop Tart, Ender, mini-Matterhorn, Wedge, Baker's Bench, Scooby Doo, Yogi, Barnacle Bill, Pooh Bear, Piglet, the Lamb, the Shark, Ginger, Souffle, Casper, Moe, and Stimpy. A dune was called Mermaid Dune, and a pair of hills were named Twin Peaks.[2][3][4]
Sojourner rover(Mars Pathfinder1997):
Spirit rover(Mars Exploration Rover,2004 – 2010):
Opportunity rover(Mars Exploration Rover,2004 - 2018):
Curiosity rover(Mars Science Laboratory,2012 - present):
Perseverance rover(Mars 2020,2020 - present):
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^"Why – and How – NASA Gives a Name to Every Spot It Studies on Mars".NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- ^"Mars Pathfinder Black and White Images".nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov.NASA.Archivedfrom the original on 16 August 2021.Retrieved16 August2021.
- ^"Rocks explored by the Rover".windows2universe.org.Windows to the Universe.Archivedfrom the original on 16 August 2021.Retrieved16 August2021.
- ^"Mars Pathfinder Science Results: Geology".mars.nasa.gov.NASA.Archivedfrom the original on 20 March 2021.Retrieved16 August2021.
External links
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