On its 1,505th Martian day, NASA’s Perseverance rover delivered a breathtaking view of Broom Point, a layered rock formation on the rim of Jezero Crater—one of the oldest terrains ever explored on Mars.
- Image showcases 3.9-billion-year-old layered rocks
- Evidence of asteroid strikes shaping the terrain
- Rover tracks visible on steep crater rim slope
What happened
NASA’s Perseverance rover captured a wide-angle image looking back up at the outside lip of the 490-foot-tall Jezero Crater rim on May 15, 2025, its 1,505th sol on Mars. The photo highlights bright-colored rocks exposed on the slope, part of a formation scientists call the Broom Point member. This stack of layered bedrock extends approximately 245 feet thick and dates back over 3.9 billion years, making it one of the oldest rock formations ever studied on Mars.
The distinct rock layers are thought to have been formed by repeated asteroid impacts. These powerful strikes caused the layers to tilt at steep angles greater than 80 degrees, shaped further by the massive impacts that carved the Isidis Basin and the Jezero Crater itself. The rover’s tracks are also visible in the image, showing Perseverance’s careful navigation down the steep crater rim.
Why it feels good
This image gives us a rare glimpse into the deep history of Mars, revealing a story of cosmic collisions and geological transformation that echoes across billions of years. Exploring such ancient terrain offers scientists invaluable clues about Mars’ early environment and the forces that shaped its surface long before life emerged on Earth.
Beyond its scientific value, the photo also symbolizes human curiosity and ingenuity. Perseverance’s journey across a challenging and alien landscape showcases the successes of international collaboration and technological innovation, inspiring a sense of wonder and hope for further discoveries on Mars and beyond.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye out for new images and data releases as Perseverance continues to explore Jezero Crater’s diverse geology, searching for signs of ancient microbial life and studying Mars’ climate history. The rover’s Mastcam-Z instrument will keep capturing detailed views that help piece together the Red Planet’s complex story.
For those fascinated by space exploration, upcoming mission updates and discoveries from NASA’s Mars 2020 initiative promise more stunning photographic achievements and scientific findings. Following Perseverance’s progress brings us closer to understanding our place in the solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth.