                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                2026 July 21
      An orange landscape is seen with many darker rocks visible in the
    foreground. Toward the image top is a large rock outcrop with orange
   sand on top. The outcrop may appear to resemble a large turtle. Please
             see the explanation for more detailed information.

                             Turtle Rock on Mars
      Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS; Processing & License: Thomas
                                 Thomopoulos

   Explanation: Is this a fossilized turtle on Mars? No. Although
   resembling a large Earth tortoise, this is a layered rock outcrop on
   Mars that is estimated to span about 15 meters, making it much larger
   than turtles on Earth. NASA’s robotic Curiosity rover came across this
   unusual mound, dubbed Miraflores, last month during its 4922nd Martian
   day exploring Mars. The small butte may survive because it was somehow
   more resistant to erosion than surrounding rock. More recent wind has
   now covered its top with orange Martian sand. Below the top shell, many
   layers of stratified rock are visible, possibly indicating a long
   history of intermittent wind-blown sand being deposited and then
   hardened by ground water. Similar wind-eroded layered landforms, such
   as yardangs in the Qaidam Desert of China, exist here on Earth.
   Curiosity and its companion rover Perseverance continue to investigate
   the ancient history of Mars as well as searching for signs of primeval
   life.

                       Tomorrow's picture: open space
     __________________________________________________________________

       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
                  NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices;
                      A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

