NASA’s Perseverance rover has spotted what might be a meteorite on Mars. The rock, named “Phippsaksla,” stands out from the surrounding flat stones, catching researchers’ attention. This discovery was made on September 2, 2025, during Sol 1612 of the mission.
Using its SuperCam laser, Perseverance confirmed that the rock is about 31 inches long and is primarily composed of iron and nickel. This matches the characteristics of large asteroids in our solar system. If verified, it would be Perseverance’s first meteorite find since landing on Mars on February 18, 2021.
Asteroids are remnants from when our solar system formed about 4.5 billion years ago. When a small piece of an asteroid, known as a meteoroid, lands on a planet, it becomes a meteorite.
The rover team gives nicknames to the rocks and sites for easier public reference, with Phippsaksla being named after a location in Svalbard, Norway. The site where it was discovered, “Vernodden,” also honors an area in Svalbard.
Interestingly, Perseverance isn’t the first rover to find meteorites. Its predecessor, Curiosity, has discovered several, including the notable “Lebanon” meteorite in 2014 and “Cacao” in 2023.
Historically, NASA’s earlier Mars rovers, Opportunity and Spirit, also identified iron-nickel meteorites. So, it’s intriguing that it took so long for Perseverance to find its first.
Jezero Crater, where Perseverance landed, is thought to hold more meteorites due to its age and numerous smaller impact craters. Research scientist Candice Bedford noted that meteorites likely fell there over time, yet Perseverance’s main goal is to search for signs of past life on Mars and collect samples for a future return to Earth.
Recent findings indicate possible chemical reactions between sediment and organic matter, hinting at ancient life. However, to confirm these findings, samples will need to be brought back for detailed analysis.
As space exploration continues, discoveries like Phippsaksla bring us closer to understanding Mars and its history. If confirmed, this meteorite could help unravel the mysteries of our neighboring planet and the solar system’s early days. For more on meteorites and Mars exploration, you can check out resources from NASA.
