NASA’s Curiosity Rover Sees Martian ‘Spiderwebs’ Up Close

NASA

by Naomi Hartono

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has made an intriguing discovery: intricate geologic formations resembling giant spider webs from above. These structures, known as boxwork, consist of low ridges crisscrossing the Martian surface for miles, with hollows in between. The formations suggest that groundwater flowed on this part of Mars later than previously believed, raising new questions about the potential for microbial life billions of years ago. This finding not only sheds light on Mars' ancient environment but also challenges our understanding of its drying out process. The boxwork ridges, standing 3 to 6 feet tall, are composed of mineral-rich areas that form ridges while surrounding hollows erode over time due to wind. These formations are similar to Earth's boxwork ridges, though much larger and more extensive on Mars. Curiosity’s exploration revealed that these ridges were likely formed by groundwater seeping through fractures in the bedrock, depositing minerals that strengthened certain areas. This process suggests a higher groundwater table than previously thought, indicating that water—essential for life—could have persisted longer on the Red Planet. The rover's journey across these formations posed significant challenges. The narrow ridges required precise navigation, as Curiosity’s size made it vulnerable to slipping or getting stuck in the sandy hollows. Despite these obstacles, the mission successfully gathered critical data, including images of fractures and mineral nodules that further support the hypothesis of ancient groundwater activity. This discovery is significant for space exploration because it suggests that Mars’ habitable conditions may have lasted longer than previously thought. The presence of extensive boxwork formations high on Mount Sharp indicates a more complex hydrological history, with periodic wet periods sustaining water reserves. This information not only deepens our understanding of Mars' past but also enhances the prospects for future missions seeking signs of microbial life in the planet's ancient environment.

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Originally published on NASA on 2/23/2026