Researchers and astronomers can now learn more about the formation of a major crater on Mars and the time when water was present on the planet thanks to new information obtained by NASA’s Perseverance rover.

The mission of Perseverance, which touched down on Mars in February 2021, includes exploring the Jezero Crater in order to gather samples of rock and regolith to be returned to Earth, as well as searching for indications of prehistoric life.

NASA claims that the crater was once home to a river delta and was flooded with water; therefore, it is possible that microbial life existed there at some point during the crater’s 3.5 billion-year history.

According to NASA, the rover’s exploration of the crater has enabled scientists to create a comprehensive timeline of the structure’s formation and has verified that there were “three major periods” following the crater’s water entry. NASA has released a brief video featuring an artist’s depiction of water entering the crater and initiating the process.

Fine-grained sand and mud entered the crater during the first period. These materials are known to have preserved fossilized life in conditions similar to those on Earth. Next, sedimentary layers were created as the crater’s lake expanded to a depth of 100 feet and a width of 22 miles. “High-energy rivers” carried rounded boulders through the water, resulting in the third and final stage.

NASA said that Perseverance had observed evidence of each of these phases. The first stage was observed at an area known as Hogwallow Flats, where the rover collected sedimentary rocks and in 2022 sent back images that NASA said were the most detailed view ever returned from the surface of Mars. 

Data about the crater, its evolution and water patterns in the area are helping Perseverance with its search for signs of ancient microbial life. In addition to characterizing Mars’ geology, the rover is learning about the planet’s past climate and working to “pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet,” according to NASA.