NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover to Study Sandstones at 'The Kimberly'

Mar 25, 2014 05:53 PM EDT | Matt Mercuro

NASA's Curiosity Rover is on its way toward Mount Sharp, but will visit at an area known as "the Kimberley" for a research stop first.

The location features sandstones, something that Curiosity hasn't analyzed yet during its time on the Red Planet, according to a NASA press release.

"The orbital images didn't tell us what those rocks are, but now that Curiosity is getting closer, we're seeing a preview," said Curiosity Deputy Project Scientist Ashwin Vasavada of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, C.A., according to the release. "The contrasting textures and durabilities of sandstones in this area are fascinating. While superficially similar, the rocks likely formed and evolved quite differently from each other."

Curiosity has studied mudstone, rather than sandstone, most intensively so far during its stay.

The analysis of Martian sandstone by Curiosity may help experts better understand the Red Planet's ancient history.

The material found within the rock along with the sand at Kimberley can differ a great deal from sandstone to sandstone, according to NASA.

"A major issue for us now is to understand why some rocks resist erosion more than other rocks, especially when they are so close to each other and are both likely to be sandstones," said Michael Malin, principal investigator for the Mast Camera and the Mars Descent Camera on Curiosity, in a statement," according to the release.

Analysis of the location could help researchers learn a number of things, including how wet the area once was, according to NASA.

Make sure to check back to find out if the rover finds anything important during its research stop. 

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