NASA announced with photo: Mysterious spheres found on Mars

NASA 's Perseverance rover has discovered rare, nearly perfect spherical structures on the surface of Mars .

These new structures, strikingly similar to the small spheres called "blueberries" found by the Opportunity rover in Meridiani Planum more than 20 years ago, have created excitement in the scientific world.

But something is different this time: The formation of the newly discovered spheres may be related to fire or a cosmic impact, not water.

EXTRAORDINARY VIEW

The discovery was made in a region the team calls "Witch Hazel Hill," near Jezero Crater. Some of the spheres were found embedded in the rocks, while others were found floating on the surface.

VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE FIRST DISCOVERY

While they may at first glance resemble the "blueberry" spheres found by Opportunity, these new formations have quite different origins.

Previous spheres contained the mineral hematite, which formed in sediments saturated with groundwater. The spheres at Rowsell Hill are basaltic in texture and were likely formed during a volcanic eruption or meteorite impact.

Upon impact, surface rocks may melt and eject into the air, and these molten particles may cool rapidly, forming spherical shapes. Alternatively, such structures may also form during lava eruptions.

THE FIERY HISTORY OF MARS

Scientists say this new discovery offers clues to energetic events that occurred on early Mars . If these spheres were formed by a meteorite impact, they could provide insights into the composition of the impactor and the role of impact craters on Mars. If they were formed by a volcanic eruption, they could shed light on ancient volcanic activity around Jezero Crater.

Either way, these mysterious spheres offer a new window into Mars' dynamic and eventful past.