Curiosity Rover Explores Gediz Vallis Channel

NASA's Curiosity rover is transitioning from the Gediz Vallis channel to explore a geological formation known as the boxwork, having completed a year-long investigation in the channel. During its stay, Curiosity captured a stunning 360-degree panorama and made a significant discovery of pure sulfur stones, raising questions about their formation as they are often linked to volcanic activity or hot springs, neither of which has been observed on Mount Sharp. The Gediz Vallis channel suggests water once flowed through the area, even as the climate shifted toward dryness, with evidence of rivers, debris flows, and avalanches shaping the landscape. Researchers are piecing together the geological history of the area and its implications for ancient microbial life on Mars. Curiosity's mission continues to focus on uncovering signs of past environmental conditions that could have supported life billions of years ago.