Mars like you've never seen: Surreal images from NASA's Perseverance rover
NASA's Perseverance Mars rover, a core component of the long-running Mars Exploration Program, is on a mission to find signs of ancient microbial life. The rover is currently investigating the Jezero Crater, a location believed to have once been a habitable environment, as per NASA/JPL. While its primary objective is astrobiology, specifically the search for signs of ancient microbial life in the Jezero Crater, the rover's journey is also providing humanity with an unprecedented look at the Red Planet's otherworldly terrain.
The following images, selected by public vote and highlighted as "Image of the Week," showcase the varied vistas and unique geological features of Mars, captured by Perseverance's suite of advanced cameras.
Mars Perseverance Sol 556
Acquired on September 13, 2022 (Sol 556) at 15:53:14 local mean solar time, this image was captured by the Left Navigation Camera (Navcam). This camera is positioned high on the rover's mast and is primarily used for assisting with driving and navigating the rugged Martian terrain.
Mars Perseverance Sol 1320
Taken on November 5, 2024 (Sol 1320) at 10:23:50 local mean solar time, this photograph was captured by the Right Mastcam-Z camera. Part of a pair of high-mounted cameras, the Mastcam-Z is used to create detailed panoramic views of the Martian landscape.
Mars Perseverance Sol 1424
This image was acquired on February 20, 2025 (Sol 1424) at 13:11:41 local mean solar time. It was taken using the SHERLOC WATSON camera, which is located on the turret at the end of the rover's robotic arm.
Mars Perseverance Sol 1465
Acquired on April 4, 2025 (Sol 1465) at 14:21:20 local mean solar time, this image was also taken by the SHERLOC WATSON camera on the robotic arm. This close-up view provides crucial details of the Martian surface as scientists search for evidence of past life.
Mars Perseverance Sol 1580
This photograph was captured on July 31, 2025 (Sol 1580) at 12:27:42 local mean solar time, using the Left Mastcam-Z camera. As part of the Mastcam-Z pair, this image contributes to the ongoing visual record of the mission, showing the landscape as the rover continues its exploration.
Mars Perseverance Sol 335
Taken on January 29, 2022 (Sol 335) at 15:56:30 local mean solar time, this image was acquired by the Right Mastcam-Z camera. It is part of the extensive collection of panoramic views that document the rover's journey through the Jezero Crater.
Mars Perseverance Sol 294
This image was captured on December 17, 2021 (Sol 294) at 11:35:38 local mean solar time. It was taken by the Left Mastcam-Z camera and represents one of the earlier visuals from this instrument, providing an initial look at the terrain shortly after the mission began.
Mars Perseverance Sol 395
Acquired on March 31, 2022 (Sol 395) at 15:34:23 local mean solar time, this photo was taken by the Left Mastcam-Z camera. It adds to the chronological series of images that track the rover's progress and the changing landscape.
Mars Perseverance Sol 503
Taken on July 20, 2022 (Sol 503) at 12:08:19 local mean solar time, this image was acquired by the Left Mastcam-Z camera. It is another key piece of visual data in the comprehensive record of the Martian surface being built by the Perseverance rover.
Mars Perseverance Sol 805
This image was captured on May 26, 2023 (Sol 805) at 11:55:32 local mean solar time, using the Right Mastcam-Z camera. It contributes to the continuous documentation of the Jezero Crater's geology and surface features.
