NASA Perseverance rover affectionately called Percy has achieved a significant milestone on Mars by completing its 30th rock abrasion on a patch named Rio Chiquito. Following the analysis, the rover is now heading toward its next geological target: Witch Hazel Hill.
After a brief Thanksgiving break, the rover team resumed operations, using advanced instruments like SCAM, ZCAM, SHERLOC, and PIXL to study Rio Chiquito’s rocks. The data gathered will enhance understanding of the Jezero Crater’s geological history, an area critical to Mars exploration.
Before reaching Witch Hazel Hill, Percy will make a pit stop at Lookout Hill, the highest point on the crater rim. From this vantage, the rover is expected to capture breathtaking views of Jezero’s interior and surrounding landscape, offering scientists a unique perspective to study Martian topography.
The rover’s path is mostly regolith, with limited rock outcrops, but remote observations of distant formations continue to drive the mission’s progress toward uncovering Mars’ secrets.