NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered a skull-shaped rock, dubbed "Skull Hill," on the Jezero Crater rim of Mars. The rock, spotted on April 11, stands out due to its dark, angular appearance, contrasting with the surrounding light-colored terrain. According to NASA, the rock features tiny pits, possibly formed by erosion or wind scouring.
While perhaps not as mysterious as some of the crystal skulls here on Earth that it bears some resemblance to, the origins of Skull Hill remain uncertain. Initial analysis suggested it might be a meteorite due to its dark color, reminiscent of those found in Gale Crater. However, recent tests using the rover's SuperCam ruled out this possibility, as the rock lacks the high iron and nickel levels typical of meteorites. Another theory suggests it could be an igneous rock, formed from cooled lava or magma, possibly ejected from an impact crater.
Margaret Deahn, a Ph.D. student at Purdue University working with NASA, stated that the team is conducting further tests to determine the rock's origins. The discovery of Skull Hill adds to the intrigue of Mars exploration, as scientists continue to study the planet's geology and history.