The Perseverance rover, from Nasa, identified a metallic object measuring approximately 80 centimeters in the Jezero crater, in Marte, during an analysis carried out in November 2025. The block, named Phippsaksla, has an elongated shape and a different chemical composition from the local rocks. The rover’s Instrumentos detected high levels of iron and nickel, typical characteristics of meteorites formed in the cores of asteroids.
The discovery occurred while the vehicle was exploring the region known as the crater’s margin unit. The scientific team highlighted that the object is distinguished by its upright appearance and the lack of fragmentation common in nearby Martian rocks.
Characteristics of the found object
Block Phippsaksla measures about 80 centimeters long. Sua surface exhibits a smooth texture in some areas and a shape reminiscent of natural sculptures.
SuperCam, the Perseverance’s laser spectroscopy instrument, recorded a high concentration of iron associated with nickel. Essa combination occurs mainly in ferrous meteorites, originating from differentiated planetary bodies.
Preliminary data indicates that the material does not correspond to the predominant igneous or sedimentary rocks in the Jezero crater.
Chemical composition revealed
The remote analysis showed a higher percentage of nickel than that found in Martian volcanic rocks. Iron appears in metallic form, different from the oxidation common in the red planet’s soil.
These elements suggest their origin in an asteroid core that underwent fusion and separation of metallic and silicate phases. The object probably reached Marte after impacting the asteroid belt.
The team awaits new measurements with the PIXL instrument to confirm the absence of silicates typical of local rocks.
Context of crater Jezero
The Jezero crater spans 45 kilometers in diameter and contains clay and carbonate deposits formed in an ancient aqueous environment. The Perseverance has been exploring the region since February 2021.
By November 2025, the rover had traveled more than 30 kilometers and collected 24 samples of rock and regolith. The western margin of the crater, where the discovery occurred, preserves materials transported by ancient rivers.
Meteorite history in Marte
Previous missions have identified metallic meteorites on the planet. The Opportunity rover found Heat Shield Rock in 2005, a 30-centimeter block composed mainly of iron and nickel.
Curiosity recorded the nearly two-meter Lebanon meteorite in 2014. Spirit located several smaller fragments between 2004 and 2010.
Perseverance, despite operating in an area rich in impact craters, had not recorded metallic meteorites until now.
Next steps of the mission
The team plans to perform additional analyzes with the SHERLOC instrument to look for traces of surface alteration. The rover will remain close to the block for a few soles to obtain high-resolution images.
If the classification as a metallic meteorite is confirmed, the find will enter the official mission catalogue. The data will help understand the rate at which extraterrestrial material falls into Marte over time.
The discovery reinforces the ability of the Perseverance instruments to identify exogenous materials even in a geologically complex environment.
Scientific importance of the find
Metallic meteorites preserve a chemical composition close to that of the original planetary nuclei. The direct study at Marte eliminates terrestrial contamination present in samples collected at Terra.
The Phippsaksla block can provide information about differentiation processes that occurred more than 4 billion years ago. The exact location will be recorded for possible collection on future sample return missions.