Curiosity Uncovers New Secrets: The Search for Nodule Chemistry in Fractured Bedrock of the Glasgow Site on Mars

The science team at the “Glasgow” site has a plan to collect chemistry data using ChemCam and CheMin. As part of this plan, a one-sol science block is scheduled, during which three nearby targets will be observed: bedrock target “Gutcher,” nodular bedrock target “Lochbuie,” and vein target “Thistle Street.” The name “Lochbuie” is familiar to the team as Curiosity has been analyzing bedrock targets containing nodules in this area for several weeks.

The fractured bedrock in the region has caught the science team’s attention as they want to assess whether the concentration and chemistry of nodules vary with distance from nearby fractures. To maintain consistency, targets in this vicinity are named with “Loch” in their names, with “Lochbuie” being the most recent addition to the list that includes targets like “Loch na Keal,” “Loch Olabhat,” “Loch Trool,” and “Bishops Loch.”

An image captured by ChemCam’s Remote Micro Imager shows the nodular texture in the “Loch Olabhat 2” target. The image reveals small, dark laser pits created by ChemCam that track horizontally across the nodule-rich rock in the center-right of the image. This exploration is part of an ongoing drill campaign at the site, with a focus on collecting chemistry data through observations and analysis of different targets in the area. By studying the variation in nodules with distance from fractures in the bedrock, the science team aims to gather valuable insights into the geological composition and history of the “Glasgow” site. With each target analyzed, Curiosity continues to uncover new information that contributes to our understanding of the Martian landscape and its geology.