One image is not from Mars
Looking at these side by side shows why comparative planetary exploration matters.
Space Science Readout
Shale
The rock layers on the left show the classic fine lamination and stratification you'd expect in shale, a sedimentary rock that typically forms in water-rich environments. This points to a likely history of water activity on Mars.
Earthly Comparison
On the right, we see a similar rocky landscape here on Earth. The resemblance between the two helps highlight how studying familiar formations on Earth can aid in decoding the geology of Mars.
Scientific Exploration
Looking at these side by side shows why comparative planetary exploration matters. By studying similar features across both worlds, scientists can draw meaningful parallels that help explain how planets evolve and what their climates may have looked like in the past.
Colour Differences
There’s a clear colour difference: Mars appears reddish due to iron oxide (essentially rust), while Earth’s rocks show a wider range of tones thanks to varied minerals and the presence of water.
Such visual and structural similarities point to shared geological processes that shape rocky planets. Understanding them on Mars could provide us with a deeper insight into early Earth and the broader history of our solar system.
And much of what we understand about Mars is based on inference — drawing conclusions from indirect evidence. Since we can’t physically examine every rock or environment, scientists rely on visual data, compositional analysis, and comparisons to Earth to make informed interpretations. It's a process grounded in evidence, but always open to refinement as new data arrives.
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