Among the most astonishing structures recently observed on the Red Planet, a "spiderweb" is drawing attention. Captured by NASA's Curiosity rover, this unique formation raises questions about Mars' history.
NASA's Curiosity rover photographs low ridges on Mars.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
For over a decade, Curiosity has been exploring Gale Crater at the base of Mount Sharp. Recently, its cameras captured in high definition a series of lattice-like patterns: a network of low ridges that, when viewed from above, resemble a carefully woven spiderweb.
These formations may have been created by the flow of underground water several million years ago. The water likely seeped into the rocks, dissolved certain minerals, and then left behind more resistant deposits, forming these now-visible structures over time.
This 360-degree panorama, composed of 291 images taken in May 2025, shows not only the lattice patterns but also the rover's tracks and the surrounding terrain. The images were captured by the Mastcam, a system designed for detailed geological analysis.
Studying these formations provides clues about the ancient presence of shallow liquid water. Understanding these processes helps reconstruct Mars' climatic past and assess its potential habitability.
How did water shape Mars' surface?
Beneath the Martian surface, water flowed during past, more temperate periods. As it infiltrated cracks, it altered the composition of rocks, sometimes leaving behind networks of mineral veins.
Over time, the hardened minerals resist erosion, revealing these ridges. This phenomenon, well-documented on Earth, has been preserved here in an environment where erosion is much slower, allowing traces to remain for extremely long periods.
These clues are essential for reconstructing when Mars transitioned from a wet world to a cold desert. They can also guide future missions in searching for areas where water—or even traces of past life—might still be preserved.