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A clay-bearing unit on Mars

A clay-bearing unit on Mars
A clay-bearing unit on Mars This mosaic captured by Curiosity's Mast Camera shows a clay-bearing unit in Gale Crater, including the rocky landmark nicknamed "Knockfarril Hill." This region was a scientific destination long before Curiosity launched, as orbiting spacecraft had detected a strong clay signature here, suggesting water once played a role in shaping it. It was within these ancient, water-influenced rocks that Curiosity would later collect samples revealing more than 20 organic molecules. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS