Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Perseverance Photos Three Stacked Mars Rocks, Wind Likely Cause

5/23/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Perseverance rover captured an image of three rocks stacked on Mars on May 13, 2026 (Sol 1859) with its Mastcam-Z camera.
Scientists attribute the formation to wind erosion or ancient water, noting that Curiosity data show wind has been the main force reshaping Martian rocks over millions of years.
Earlier missions, such as a 1976 Viking photograph, also captured unusual rock shapes that some likened to a human face.

1 of 1

Story summary

Perseverance rover captured an image of three rocks stacked on Mars on May 13, 2026 (Sol 1859) with its Mastcam-Z camera.
Scientists attribute the formation to wind erosion or ancient water, noting that Curiosity data show wind has been the main force reshaping Martian rocks over millions of years.
Earlier missions, such as a 1976 Viking photograph, also captured unusual rock shapes that some likened to a human face.