The NASA Perseverance rover continues its exploration of the red planet. It has successfully located a unique rock sample from Mars.
The robot has effectively collected another Martian rock sample known as "Silver Mountain." Scientists note that this sample "features textures unlike anything we've seen before."
The sample was sealed in a tube for further analysis in laboratories on Earth. This specimen has become the 26th in the Perseverance collection, which will aid in investigating the planet's geological history, climate, and potential signs of past life. NASA plans to return these materials to Earth between 2035 and 2039. The agency is discussing transportation methods and promises to make a final decision next year.
The rover has successfully completed its ascent from Jezero Crater, where the ancient environment may have been conducive to microbial life. Currently, Perseverance is exploring the Northern Edge, where additional samples are set to be collected from four significant geological points. In total, the rover has traveled over 20 miles — its route can be tracked.
Previously, "Telegraph" reported that a spider was found in an ancient Irish castle, which had been conquered and turned into a zombie by special fungi. Much like in the series "The Last of Us," these fungi compel it to spread spores.