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NASA’s Curiosity Discovers a Field of Martian Polygons
NASA’s Curiosity rover captured a panoramic view of an extensive field of surface features called polygons on Mars. This discovery is part of an effort to investigate the planet's past environment.
Why it matters
Determining whether these patterns formed from drying surfaces or temperature cycles provides insight into the ancient Martian climate and water history.
The details
- Polygons range in size from roughly 2 to 4 inches in diameter.
- The rover captured images on June 19 and 20, 2026.
- The panorama was created by stitching together 340 individual images.
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Key connections
Jet Propulsion Laboratory is built with Curiosity
Curiosity was built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Malin Space Science Systems owns Mastcam
Malin Space Science Systems built and operates Mastcam.
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