**Curiosity Rover Embarks on New Mission to Study Martian "Spiderwebs"**

NASA's Curiosity rover is set to embark on a new mission to analyze large spiderweb-like rock formations on Mars, following the conclusion of its recent exploration of Gediz Vallis, as announced by NASA. These extensive web-like features stretch across six to twelve miles on the planet’s surface and are anticipated to offer insights into Mars' historical water presence.

Curiosity has been navigating the steep terrain of Mount Sharp within Gale Crater for the past year, unearthing significant findings. Among its key discoveries were pure sulfur crystals and uniquely patterned rocks indicative of an ancient lake. However, this phase of its 12-year expedition is drawing to a close. Notably, a substantial hole was detected in one of the rover's wheels during this period of intense exploration. On November 18, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) released a 360-degree panoramic image captured by the rover, marking the end of its time in Gediz Vallis as the rover prepares for its next endeavor.

The rover’s next target, known as "the boxwork," represents an intricate array of crisscrossing rock formations. Although these phenomena were first observed decades ago, they have never undergone close examination until now. It is important to distinguish these boxwork formations from the so-called "spiders on Mars," which form through the sublimation of carbon dioxide ice.

Boxwork deposits on Earth form in cave environments through the process of calcite-rich water hardening and eventually eroding to create protruding crystalline structures. The most prominent terrestrial example is found in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota. In contrast, the Martian version of these formations is far more extensive, reflecting a similar formation process but on a grander scale, attributed to the drying up of ancient, mineral-rich bodies of water.

Researchers are optimistic that Curiosity will uncover crucial information about the formation of these structures and their implications for Mars’ ancient watery environments. They are particularly interested in the specific minerals within these web-like formations, which could provide clues about the potential for past extraterrestrial life. Kirsten Siebach, a mission scientist at Rice University, highlighted the parallels between these Martian ridges and environments on early Earth that could support microbial life.

The Curiosity rover is expected to arrive at the boxwork formations in early 2025, opening a new chapter in our understanding of Mars' geological and potentially biological history.