4. Scientists found the first extraterrestrial meteorite ever on Mars.
On January 6, 2005, the first-ever meteorite to be located on another planet was found. Meridiani Planum is the area of Mars known for being the home of many meteorites, and the first one was discovered there. The first meteorite found on Mars is known as Heat Shield Rock because it was located near the area where the Opportunity rover’s heat shield landed.
NASA’s Curiosity Rover surveyed the meteorite and determined that it was mostly made of iron and nickel. The meteor was about 93% iron and 7% nickel. This rock was about the size of a basketball. Research into the heat shield rock shows that the area was flooded with water several times over a period of a billion years, contributing to sulfates in the sand, which formed to build large crystals.