Martian rocks and outcrops have been studied in-situ by various landers and rovers. While many of the rocks identified on the Martian surface are similar to each other, some have been considered scientifically important or otherwise notable and have been subjected to more extensive study or public interest.
Names for Mars rocks are largely unofficial designations used for ease of discussion purposes, as the International Astronomical Union's official Martian naming system declares that objects smaller than 100 m (330 ft) are not to be given official names.[1] Because of this, some less significant rocks seen in photos returned by Mars rovers have been named more than once, and others have even had their names changed later due to conflicts or even matters of opinion among researchers. Often rocks are named after the children or family members of astronauts or NASA employees.[citation needed]
The rocks at the landing site of the Sojourner rover were given names of cartoon characters. Among them were Pop Tart, Ender, mini-Matterhorn, Wedge, Baker's Bench, Scooby Doo, Yogi, Barnacle Bill, Pooh Bear, Piglet, the Lamb, the Shark, Ginger, Souffle, Casper, Moe, and Stimpy. A dune was called Mermaid Dune, and a pair of hills were named Twin Peaks.[2][3][4]
Sojourner rover (Mars Pathfinder 1997):
Spirit rover (Mars Exploration Rover, 2004 – 2010):
Opportunity rover (Mars Exploration Rover, 2004 - 2018):
Curiosity rover (Mars Science Laboratory, 2012 - present):
Perseverance rover (Mars 2020, 2020 - present):
See also
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References
edit- ^ "Why – and How – NASA Gives a Name to Every Spot It Studies on Mars". NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- ^ "Mars Pathfinder Black and White Images". nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA. Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Rocks explored by the Rover". windows2universe.org. Windows to the Universe. Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Mars Pathfinder Science Results: Geology". mars.nasa.gov. NASA. Archived from the original on 20 March 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
External links
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