In a first, NASA’s Perseverance finds an exotic rock on Mars

NASA's official logo (Image source: NASA)

NASA’s Perseverance rover found an unusually shaped rock called “Phippsaksla” on top of a bedrock outcrop on the outskirts of the Jezero crater. The exotic rock is suspected to be an iron-nickel meteorite. If it is actually an iron-nickel meteorite, it will be Perseverance’s first such discovery.

Chibuike Okpara, Published 11/19/2025

Astronomy / Space Science

Iron-nickel meteorites are not new discoveries on the Martian surface. Rovers like Curiosity have identified many of them in the Gale Crater. But Perseverance has not identified any so far within the Jezero crater, even though the crater’s features suggest that meteorites did fall into it.

Just recently, however, Perseverance found an unusually shaped rock about 80 centimeters (31 inches) wide called “Phippsaksla.” This rock was found during an investigation of the bedrock at “Vernodden.”

Phippsaksla stood out from the surrounding rocks. While the rocks around it were low-lying, flat, and fragmented, Phippsaksla had a high-standing appearance. A close-up view of the rock revealed its cavernous weathering texture.

Perseverance pictured this rock using its Left Mastcam-Z camera. This camera is one of a pair of cameras located high on the rover’s mast. After spotting Phippsaksla, Perseverance used its SuperCam instrument to further study the rock. It found that the rock is made of iron and nickel.

Phippsaksla’s iron and nickel composition is an indication that it might be a meteorite. Further studies will be carried out to confirm this.

A close up image of Phippsaksla (Image source: NASA, JPL-Caltech, and ASU)

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Source(s)

NASA

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Chibuike Okpara - Tech Writer - 288 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024

I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, "Why not get into writing tech articles?" It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a 'bookworm' of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.

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