Watch: NASA's Curiosity rover sends immersive landscape's video of Mars
At first glance, this panoramic view might resemble a sunlit desert in the American Southwest, with quiet ridges, earthy tones, and distant peaks. But look closer: you're actually seeing Mars. Captured by
NASA
's Curiosity rover from the slopes of the three-mile-high Mount Sharp inside Gale Crater, this surreal landscape is part of a stunning 30-second video showing what the Red Planet looks like up close. What seems like mountain ranges is actually the rim of an ancient crater, created billions of years ago by a massive asteroid impact. It's the next best thing to hiking Mars without a spacesuit.
NASA shares Earth like visuals from Mars
The panoramic video was captured earlier this year while Curiosity explored a region known as the sulfate-bearing unit. Rich in salty minerals likely left behind by evaporating streams and ponds, the terrain provides a window into Mars' past, when water was more abundant and the climate was more Earth-like. These features help scientists understand how Mars transformed from a potentially habitable world into a frozen desert.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
My Stepdad Demands I Pay Him Rent On My 18th Birthday. He Doesn't Know I Own The House So I Did This
Beach Raider
Undo
NASA's Curiosity Rover's track record
Curiosity, which launched in 2011 and landed in 2012, has traveled over 352 million miles. That includes about 20 miles rumbling over Martian soil. Last year, its wheels uncovered a surprise: pure elemental sulfur, a substance that on Earth is often linked to volcanic activity or even microbial life. This unexpected discovery continues to fuel scientific curiosity about the planet's potential to have once supported life.
Curiosity's next stop to 'Boxwork'
Curiosity's next stop is a strange terrain called 'boxwork,' where mineral ridges form web-like patterns across the ground. Scientists think this region formed when the last trickles of Martian water deposited minerals in rock cracks. These formations may hold clues about the planet's last habitable phases and possibly about ancient microbial life.
More than just a drive
Although Curiosity is not expected to reach the boxwork until late fall, the rover's team continues to pause and study the fascinating geology along the way. As planetary geologist Catherine O'Connell-Cooper puts it, "We're not just speeding past the cool things." Each stop offers new scientific insights and spectacular views from 140 million miles away.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Solar storm alert! Powerful G4-class geomagnetic activity expected on Earth after massive solar eruption on June 2
Source: A high-velocity solar storm , triggered by the Sun's most powerful eruption of the year, is currently interacting with Earth's magnetic field. Space weather experts have warned about potential G4-class geomagnetic storm conditions—one of the more severe classifications expected to peak today, June 2. The origin of this solar unrest is a coronal mass ejection (CME) discharged on May 31 by a very active sunspot area AR4100. The phenomenon has quickly grown to become a serious space weather event, with close monitoring from researchers and agencies around the globe. Powerful solar storm to impact Earth on June 2 with G4 geomagnetic activity Both NASA and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have attested to the energetic magnitude of this eruption, declaring it a very strong CME. The unusual agreement between these preeminent space weather authorities emphasizes the gravity of the present geomagnetic perturbation. The CME from sunspot AR4100 is presently directly affecting Earth's space environment, with real-time impacts already being visible in satellite systems and geomagnetic observations. May 31 saw sunspot AR4100 produce an M8.2-class solar flare, short of achieving the X-class benchmark that represents the highest intensity level. While just shy of that benchmark, the unusually prolonged period and constant release of energy by the flare made it more impactful overall. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dinheiro pra você organizar suas contas! Banco BV Saiba Mais Undo The solar flare continued for over three hours, giving the CME immense momentum and velocity. The material ejected from the sun, which moved at a speed of about 1,938 kilometers per second, was seen in a "halo" configuration by NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), showing a full-spectrum ejection heading toward Earth. CME hits Earth on June 1, strongest geomagnetic impact expected today The CME arrived at Earth's magnetosphere on June 1 and has been causing disruptions in geomagnetic conditions ever since. The most profound effects are due to occur today. If the internal magnetic field of the CME is oriented southward, as against Earth's, the storm may move into G4-class levels, causing several disruptions: Widespread auroras – Bright displays of the northern lights can be seen much farther south than normal, possibly extending as far as northern parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe. Satellite and GPS interference – Very high solar radiation and charged particle levels can interfere with satellite communications and perturb GPS measurements. Power grid instability – A geomagnetic storm with high intensity can cause additional currents in long-distance transmission lines, stressing or even damaging the power infrastructure. Powerful solar storm offers rare insights While it does not surpass the G5-class storm in May 2024, this storm is one of the strongest events in Solar Cycle 25. For scientists, it provides a valuable chance to learn how these events develop and influence Earth. For amateur astronomers, it's an unusual opportunity to view intense auroral activity. Geomagnetic storms such as this one serve to remind us of the vulnerability of our planet to solar weather. Ranging from affecting satellites and communications to presenting danger to aviation and power grids, these storms emphasize the value of solar forecasting and preparedness. As the Sun moves toward its solar maximum—projected between 2025 and 2026—their occurrence and power may intensify. Ongoing observation and monitoring are paramount for ensuring our technological infrastructure and systems remain robust against such cosmic energies. Northern lights may shine brightest tonight As scientists track the storm's evolution, members of the public may be treated to one of the most thrilling displays of nature. For those in the northern latitudes, it could well be the ideal evening to gaze upwards—with cameras at the ready—to capture the eerie light of the auroras. And as ever during such space weather, it's always a good idea to keep GPS and communication equipment monitored, just in case the Sun gets carried away with its cosmic display a bit longer. Also Read | NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovers earliest galaxy ever seen in the universe
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? IAF pilot set to make history as India's first astronaut on the ISS
Group Captain is all set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). A decorated test pilot from the Indian Air Force and one of ISRO's four astronauts selected for India's , Shukla will serve as the pilot on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This milestone mission marks India's return to human spaceflight after more than four decades and underscores its growing presence in international space exploration. Shubhanshu Shukla's early life and education Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla completed his schooling at City Montessori School, Lucknow. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he was determined to serve the nation and cleared the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) examination. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 2005. Later, during his astronaut training, he pursued a Master of Technology degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, showcasing his strong academic foundation in both military and scientific disciplines. Indian Air Force career Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006 as a Flying Officer in the fighter stream. Over the years, he has become a highly experienced and respected test pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying time across a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier 228, and An-32. As a combat leader and experimental test pilot, Shukla's expertise in aviation made him an ideal candidate for India's emerging human spaceflight program. Shubhanshu Shukla's selection and training for the Axiom Mission 4 In 2019, Shukla was shortlisted by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) for ISRO's first astronaut training group. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After rigorous evaluation, he was selected among the final four astronauts. In 2020, he traveled to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia for basic spaceflight training, which he completed in 2021. He then returned to India for further mission-specific preparation at ISRO's Astronaut Training Facility in Bangalore. His selection was officially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2024, during a visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Axiom Mission 4 Group Captain Shukla will pilot the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), an international collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and ISRO. Axiom Mission 4 is a planned private spaceflight to the International Space Station operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. The flight is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center no earlier than June 9, 2025, at 12:46 UTC, and will last about two to three weeks. The crew includes commander Peggy Whitson (USA), mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Fellow vyomanaut Prasanth Nair is designated as the backup astronaut. Shukla's participation marks a historic first for India at the ISS and is a crucial step toward the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. What are the experiments he will do at the ISS? The Ax-4 mission will conduct around 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, with seven selected by ISRO from Indian researchers. These include studies on: Growth of microalgae and cyanobacteria Muscle regeneration in microgravity Sprouting of green gram (moong) and fenugreek — aimed at future Indian space food systems Resilience of tardigrades (microscopic life forms) Seed germination in space Human-computer interaction in microgravity environments These experiments reflect India's growing interest in space biosciences and long-duration human spaceflight research. Personal life of Shubhanshu Shukla Shubhanshu Shukla is married to Dr. Kamna, a dentist, and the couple has a four-year-old son. He comes from a humble family background — his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, is a retired government officer, and his mother, Asha Shukla, is a homemaker. He is the youngest of three siblings. In his free time, Shukla enjoys physical exercise, reading science and space literature. As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the historic Axiom Mission 4, he not only carries the aspirations of a nation but also represents a new era in India's space journey. From the skies as a fighter pilot to the vast expanse of space, his remarkable journey reflects the power of dedication, discipline, and scientific ambition. With his mission to the ISS, Shukla is set to inspire a new generation of Indians to dream beyond the boundaries of Earth and aim for the stars.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Shocking! 183-million-year-old Dinosaur-era sea creature found with skin and scales intact
In a discovery that's catching the attention of scientists, researchers have found a remarkably well-preserved fossil of a marine reptile that's challenging what we thought we knew about how these creatures lived. The fossil, identified as Plesiopterys wildi, is around 183 million years old and was uncovered in southern Germany. What makes it especially rare is the presence of preserved soft tissues, like skin, scales, and keratin, which are almost never found in marine reptiles from the Jurassic period. The findings, published in Current Biology, offer a rare and detailed look at the texture, colouring, and movement of plesiosaurs– long-necked marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era. Until now, scientists had to rely mostly on bones to imagine what these animals looked like, but this discovery gives a much clearer picture. Fossil found in 1940, but only studied recently The fossil specimen, labelled MH 7, was originally discovered in 1940 near Holzmaden, a region known for its fossil-rich Posidonia Shale. However, the specimen remained unprepared for decades. It was only in 2020 that researchers began to remove the surrounding limestone carefully and realised the fossil contained patches of soft tissue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'Fossilized soft tissue, such as skin and internal organs, is exceptionally rare. We used a broad range of techniques to identify smooth skin in the tail region as well as scales along the rear edge of the flippers. This provided us with unparalleled insights into the appearance and biology of these long-extinct reptiles,' says Miguel Marx, a PhD student at Lund University and the study's lead author, as quoted by Lund University. Flippers show signs of specialised movement When researchers examined the fossil under a microscope, they found that the flippers were covered with tiny, triangular scales made of beta-keratin—a tough protein found in reptiles. These sturdy flippers likely helped the animal move with precision and control underwater. On the other hand, the skin on the tail was smoother and made of alpha-keratin, suggesting it had a different function. This difference in texture shows that various parts of the body were specially adapted for different roles in swimming and steering. 'Apart from the mosaic of smooth skin and scales, it was an incredible moment to visualize the cells in thin sections of the fossilized plesiosaur's skin. I was shocked when I saw skin cells that had been preserved for 183 million years. It was almost like looking at modern skin,' says Marx, as quoted by Lund University. Traces of pigment suggest patterned colouring One of the more unexpected findings was the discovery of melanosomes– tiny structures that carry pigment– in the skin of the tail. This suggests that the animal may have had patterns or variations in skin colour, instead of the plain or pale look that scientists usually imagine for marine reptiles. The researchers noted that this pigmentation could have played a role in camouflage or communication, though further analysis would be needed to confirm such functions. Discovery of a tail fin adds new clues Along with the preserved skin and scales, researchers also found a soft-tissue tail fin– something rarely seen in plesiosaur fossils. This broad and flexible structure suggests the tail may have helped the animal steer more effectively or even boosted its speed while swimming. Exceptional preservation thanks to Posidonia Shale The exceptional condition of the fossil is thanks to the unique environment where it was preserved. The Posidonia Shale– an ancient seabed with very low oxygen levels– slows down the process of decay, sometimes allowing soft tissues to fossilise along with bones. This kind of preservation is extremely rare in marine reptiles, which makes MH 7 a remarkable find and an important discovery for paleontologists. Adding detail to the story of Plesiosaur evolution Most studies on plesiosaurs have focused only on their bones, but this fossil gives a much fuller picture of the animal's biology. The preserved soft tissues offer new insights into how different parts of its body worked and how these features may have evolved over time. According to the research team, these findings may also contribute to understanding how plesiosaurs adapted to specific environments over time. 'Our findings help us create more accurate life reconstructions of plesiosaurs, something that has been extremely difficult since they were first studied over 200 years ago. Also, the well-preserved German fossil really highlights the potential for soft tissue in providing valuable insights into the biology of these long-extinct animals,' explains Marx, as quoted by Lund University. After sitting untouched for nearly 80 years, this discovery is now offering one of the most detailed views yet into the biology of a creature that swam the Earth's oceans almost 200 million years ago. The MH 7 fossil not only deepens our understanding of plesiosaurs but also highlights how valuable it can be to revisit and study old, forgotten specimens. Thumb image credit: X/@JoschuaKnuppe (Illustration of "Skin, scales, and cells in a Jurassic plesiosaur")
