On August 8, 2025, NASA’s Curiosity rover discovered itself on the intersection of three ridges discovered on the Martian panorama. This “peace sign” form, as referred to as by NASA engineers, is a component of a bigger boxwork sample on the floor of Mars.
What is it?
With more than a decade of operation, Curiosity has traveled across varied terrains, drilled into bedrock and monitored the Martian climate, all while sending back detailed images and data that continue to shape scientists’ understanding of Mars’s history.
Where is it?
This intersection of ridges is within Gale Crater on Mars, which is found in the planet’s southern hemisphere.
Why is it amazing?
This intersection, which has been given the name “Ayopaya,” by NASA scientists, is a part of the bigger boxwork constructions discovered on Mars, created when historic, mineral-rich rivers flowed throughout the planet’s floor. As they flowed they eroded away materials, leaving low-lying ridges that create a “spiderweb” sample as seen from house.
Given these areas as soon as held water, scientists are wanting to dive into their previous to see what the environmental circumstances of early Mars may have been like.
Want to study extra?
You can learn extra about Curiosity and the research looking at early Mars.