NASA's Perseverance rover recorded a stunning image of the Martian moon Phobos as it moved in front of the Sun on September 30. NASA
The Perseverance rover recently captured a unique moment on Mars, spotting what looks like a cosmic "googly eye" during a solar eclipse. On September 30, the rover filmed the event as Phobos, one of Mars' two moons, passed in front of the sun, casting a shadow that resembled a lumpy potato shape both on the sun and on the Martian surface.
This eclipse was quite brief, lasting only about 30 seconds. While this may seem short compared to the longer solar eclipses we see on Earth, it's typical for Mars. Phobos is significantly smaller than Earth’s moon, measuring only about 157 times less in diameter, which explains the quick eclipse. Perseverance, which is currently navigating the steep western wall of Jezero Crater, added this observation to the tradition of Mars rovers capturing eclipses. Previous missions, like Curiosity in 2019 and Opportunity in 2004, have also recorded these fascinating events.
With each eclipse captured, scientists gain valuable insights into Phobos' orbit and its future. Phobos revolves around Mars approximately every 7.6 hours, completing three orbits in a single Martian day. Currently, it is about 3,700 miles from the Martian surface. This moon is heavily cratered due to numerous meteorite impacts, and despite surviving a significant collision, it faces a grim fate. Phobos is gradually spiraling closer to Mars at a rate of 6 feet every century. In about 50 million years, it is expected to either crash into the planet or disintegrate, forming a ring around Mars.
This vibrant mosaic, captured by Perseverance on September 27, showcases the rover's progress since it landed in Jezero Crater in February 2021. NASA
Phobos and its counterpart Deimos were discovered by astronomer Asaph Hall in 1877. He named them after the Greek gods representing fear and panic. There remains speculation about their origins; some scientists believe they could be captured asteroids or debris from a massive impact on Mars. To explore these possibilities further, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is planning the Martian Moons eXploration mission, set to launch in 2026. This mission aims to study both moons closely and land on Phobos to collect samples for return to Earth.
Meanwhile, the Perseverance rover continues its challenging climb up Jezero Crater’s wall. The slope is about 20 degrees and is covered in loose dust and sand, making progress tricky. To navigate the tough terrain, the engineering team back on Earth has directed the rover to try driving backward, which has proven effective for climbing the incline. This method allows Perseverance to stay near the northern edge of its route, known as "Summerland Trail," where the rocky ground provides better traction.
Images taken by Perseverance's navigation cameras on October 11 reveal the slippery surface of Mars as the rover climbs the edge of Jezero Crater. NASA
Recently, Perseverance shared a stunning mosaic composed of 44 images that highlight key moments from its 3.5-year mission on Mars, including its landing site and the location of the Ingenuity helicopter's final airfield. "The image not only shows our past and present but also highlights the challenges we face to reach our future goals," said Rick Welch, the rover’s deputy project manager at NASA. He noted that navigating Mars is no easy task, especially when approaching the crater rim.
Once Perseverance reaches the top of the crater rim, its next destination will be Witch Hazel Hill, a site identified by scientists for potential drilling to collect rock samples. These samples are crucial for understanding whether microbial life existed on Mars billions of years ago when water flowed into Jezero Crater.
