On March 2, NASA released an audio recording of a laser operated by the Perseverance rover, currently exploring the Jezero Crater in Mars' northern hemisphere.
The laser struck Martian rock 30 times from a distance of approximately 3.1 meters, enabling detailed examination of the shattered samples.
Scientists explained that heating the rocks to thousands of degrees causes fragments to vaporize into plasma. During this process, the rover's SuperCam captures images, aiding in the analysis of the rock's chemical composition.
The sounds produced by the laser striking the rock also provide valuable data; the intensity of these sounds can reveal information about the material's physical structure. Alongside the audio, NASA published photographs of the surface where Perseverance operated.
Astrophysicist Thomas Zurbuchen noted, "SuperCam truly allows our rover to see promising rock samples and hear how they sound when hit by lasers. This information will be crucial in determining which samples to collect and return to Earth."
Earlier reports indicated that Perseverance had transmitted its first recorded sounds from Mars, intriguing specialists regarding their origin. Some believe these sounds could inspire musicians and artists in their creations.
Perseverance was launched on July 30, 2020, and landed on Mars on February 18. Accompanying it was the Ingenuity helicopter, marking the first aerial tests in the history of Mars exploration.