Mars Rover Finds 'Bright Object'

Curiosity makes first scoop of planet's surface
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 9, 2012 8:27 AM CDT
Mars Rover Finds 'Bright Object'
This image provided by NASA shows a Martian rock outcrop near the landing site of the rover Curiosity thought to be the site of an ancient streambed.   (AP Photo/NASA)

The Curiosity rover has conducted its first scoop of Mars' surface—and found an unidentified "bright object," the AP reports. The rover won't make another scoop until NASA officials can deduce what the thing is. It could just be a piece of the rover itself. Curiosity has now been on the planet for more than two months of its two-year mission; scientists hope to figure out if the planet could once have sustained life. In a positive sign, the rover has seen hints of a streambed. (More Mars rover stories.)

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