Overview
- Curiosity’s MAHLI camera photographed Paposo on July 24, 2025, capturing a small branching rock formation in Gale Crater just inches from the rover.
- NASA scientists report that Paposo’s intricate ridges are wind-eroded mineral veins deposited by ancient water seeping through rock fractures.
- The coral-like shape joins other recurring vein and boxwork patterns traced by Curiosity, including a 2022 flower-shaped rock, mapping Mars’ sustained hydrological activity.
- Social media speculation that Paposo is fossilized coral has been refuted by geological analyses showing no organic signatures.
- Curiosity will continue examining similar formations to refine models of Mars’ ancient water flows and guide future sample-return and habitability studies.