In its twelfth year of exploration on Mars, NASA’s Curiosity rover is venturing into uncharted territories, including what scientists believe to be the dried-out bed of an ancient river.

As it prepares to navigate Gediz Vallis, a winding channel strewn with boulders, Curiosity aims to unravel the mysteries of how this landform formed over time.

Originally planned for a two-year mission, Curiosity continues its quest for insights into Martian environments and the potential for past or present life on the Red Planet.

Since 2014, the rover has been scaling the foothills of Mount Sharp, a towering feature in Gale Crater.

Gediz Vallis, believed to have been carved by some force of Martian nature during a drying period in Mars’ history, presents intriguing possibilities, Space.com has reported.

While wind erosion could be a factor, the channel’s steep sides suggest other mechanisms, such as landslides or, tantalizingly, the flow of liquid water.

Curiosity’s exploration of Gediz Vallis offers not only a glimpse into Mars’ past but also insights into the terrain ahead, as the rover lacks the capability to ascend Mount Sharp.

Through this investigation, scientists hope to deepen their understanding of Mars’ geological evolution and the potential for habitability.

Written by B.C. Begley