Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Leopard Spots on Martian Rocks

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for September 28, 2025 is “Leopard Spots on Martian Rocks,” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech , MSSS , Perseverance Rover. The original explanation runs about 141 words.

Part of a large rock on Mars is shown being mostly orange. On the rock are several irregular light-colored areas surrounded by a dark border. The spots are only millimeters across but might be a remnant biosignature of ancient Martian life.
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech , MSSS , Perseverance Rover Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“What is creating these unusual spots? Light-colored spots on Martian rocks , each surrounded by a dark border, were discovered last year by NASA ‘s Perseverance Rover currently exploring Mars .”

— APOD editors, September 28, 2025

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
September 28, 2025
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech , MSSS , Perseverance Rover
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 141 words

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Topics in this entry

Mars

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.