Curiosity Analyzes Unusual Rock Formations During Sols 5063–5069

Written by William Farrand, Senior Research Scientist, Space Science Institute

Earth planning date: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026

This week, Curiosity completed its drill campaign at the “Nazca” drill site, an area of bedrock marked by disk-shaped or, more loosely interpreted, potato-chip-shaped crystal forms. The key objective was to better characterize these chip-shaped features. Drill samples were delivered to the Sample Analysis for Mars (SAM) instrument. While the SAM analysis was ongoing, Monday’s plan included a ChemCam LIBS observation of another crystal-form, “Ahi Veremos,” additional Mastcam frames to complete a mosaic of the Nazca area to the near-mid field, and environmental observations, including a large dust devil survey and horizon and atmospheric zenith movies.

Wednesday’s plan included two targeted science blocks, with a LIBS depth profile of the “Colca” crystal-form and a LIBS observation of the “Bermejo” target. A long-distance Remote Micro-Imager (RMI) mosaic of rock clusters below the “Cordillera” ridge was collected. Mastcam gathered more frames for its Nazca mosaic, and more environmental observations were made.

Friday’s planning covered three sols with three targeted science blocks and a drive away from the Nazca drill site. A MAHLI mosaic of the side of the block hosting the Nazca drill hole was planned. The plan also called for using MAHLI’s nighttime white-light and ultraviolet LED lamps for nighttime imaging of the crystal forms. Mars’ moon, Phobos, was eclipsing the Sun, and imaging of that event was prioritized. ChemCam LIBS observations were planned for each sol, including a cluster of crystal forms, a resistant layer in the side of the Nazca block, and a dark float rock. A long-distance RMI mosaic of dark lenses beneath a planar surface on the “Mishe Mokwa” ridge was to be made. Another round of environmental observations was planned. Finally, Friday’s drive was intended to take the rover back toward its southerly route, where Curiosity would continue its trek of exploration and discovery.

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