NASA’s Perseverance Explores Mars’ Oldest Rocks in Krokodillen Region

NASA’s Perseverance rover has reached Krokodillen, a 73-acre plateau near Jezero Crater’s rim believed to host some of Mars’ oldest rocks. Preliminary data shows signs of clays, carbonates, and olivine minerals, suggesting ancient water activity. Currently examining a site named Copper Cove, the rover is using a new sampling strategy that allows unsealed rock cores to be swapped later for more compelling samples. With biosignatures found elsewhere on Mars in 2024, Krokodillen could provide deeper insight into the Red Planet’s environmental history and potential past habitability.