NASA's Curiosity rover made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars on May 30, 2024, when it inadvertently cracked open a rock, revealing a field of bright yellow sulfur crystals. This marks the first time pure, elemental sulfur has been found on Mars.
The discovery occurred in a sulfate-rich region, where Curiosity has been exploring since October 2023. While sulfates, salts formed as water evaporates, have been previously detected, they were always part of sulfur-based minerals. The pure sulfur find indicates unique conditions not previously associated with this location.
Scientists are analyzing samples from a borehole created near the sulfur field to understand the chemical history of Mars and whether the sulfur exists alongside compounds that could suggest past microbial life. The presence of sulfur, an important element for life, expands the possibilities for past microbial life on the Red Planet and provides insights into potential hydrothermal systems, volcanic activity, or ancient bodies of water.