Overview

• Perseverance is actively studying Witch Hazel Hill on the western rim of Jezero Crater, uncovering a wealth of diverse rock formations dating back billions of years.
• The rover has achieved its fastest science-collection tempo yet, coring five rocks since January 2025, sealing samples from three, and analyzing dozens more using lasers and close-up imaging.
• Among the samples collected, 'Silver Mountain' is believed to be the oldest yet, originating from Mars' Noachian period over 3.9 billion years ago.
• Significant engineering challenges were overcome during the sealing of the 'Green Gardens' sample, requiring meticulous maneuvers to ensure successful storage for future analysis.
• These findings bolster ongoing astrobiology research, aiming to uncover Mars' potential for past habitability and preparing for the Mars Sample Return mission.