Gale (crater)

{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Use American English|date=November 2022}} {{Short description|Martian crater}} {{distinguish|Galle (Martian crater)}} {{Infobox crater data | titlecolor = #FA8072 | title = Gale | image = Curiosity Cradled by Gale Crater.jpg | caption = [[Mount Sharp]] rises from the middle of the crater - the <span style="color:green;">green dot</span> marks [[Bradbury Landing]], the [[Curiosity (rover)|''Curiosity'' rover]] landing site in [[Aeolis Palus]] (click the image to expand, the dot is barely visible at this scale.) North is down in this image. | coordinate_title = [[Mars#Geography|Coordinates]] | globe = Mars | coordinates = {{coord|5.4|S|137.8|E|globe:Mars|display=inline,title}} | diameter = {{convert|154|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name="nasanews">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20110722.html |title=NASA's Next Mars Rover to Land at Gale Crater |publisher=NASA |date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-date=May 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511203527/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20110722.html }}</ref> | eponym = [[Walter Frederick Gale]] }}

'''Gale''' is a [[Impact crater|crater]], and probable [[dry lake]], at {{coord|5.4|S|137.8|E|globe:Mars}} in the northwestern part of the [[Aeolis quadrangle]] on [[Mars]].<ref>USGS Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/nomenclature/Feature/2071.</ref> It is {{convert|154|km|mi|abbr=on}} in diameter<ref name="nasanews" /> and estimated to be about 3.5–3.8 billion years old.<ref name="themis">{{cite web|url=http://themis.asu.edu/features/galecrater |title=Mars Odyssey Mission THEMIS: Gale Crater's History Book |publisher=ASU.edu |access-date=August 18, 2012}}</ref> The crater was named after [[Walter Frederick Gale]], an [[amateur astronomer]] from [[Sydney]], Australia, who observed Mars in the late 19th century.<ref>{{cite book |last=Wood |first=Harley |chapter-url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gale-walter-frederick-6269 |title=Biography - Walter Frederick Gale |chapter=Gale, Walter Frederick (1865–1945) |publisher=Australian Dictionary of Biography |work=ADB.anu.edu.au |access-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815153425/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gale-walter-frederick-6269 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Aeolis Mons]], also known as Mount Sharp, is a mountain in the center of Gale and rises {{convert|5.5|km|ft|abbr=on}} high.<ref name="IAU-20120516">{{cite web|author=USGS|title=Three New Names Approved for Features on Mars|url=https://astrogeology.usgs.gov/HotTopics/index.php?/archives/447-Three-New-Names-Approved-for-Features-on-Mars.html|date=May 16, 2012|publisher=[[USGS]]|access-date=May 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728141903/http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/HotTopics/index.php?%2Farchives%2F447-Three-New-Names-Approved-for-Features-on-Mars.html|archive-date=July 28, 2012}}</ref><ref name="IAU-Aeolis-Mons">{{cite web |author=IAU|title=Planetary Names: Mons, montes: Aeolis Mons on Mars|url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/15000|date=May 16, 2012|publisher=[[USGS]]|access-date=May 28, 2012}}</ref> [[Aeolis Palus]] is the plain between the northern wall of Gale and the northern foothills of Aeolis Mons.<ref name="IAU-20120516" /><ref name="IAU-Aeolis-Mons" /> [[Peace Vallis]],<ref name="IAU-20120926">{{cite web |author=[[IAU]] Staff |title=Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature: Peace Vallis |url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/15036?__fsk=-365499458 |date=September 26, 2012|publisher=[[IAU]] |access-date=September 28, 2012 }}</ref> a nearby [[outflow channel]], 'flows' down from the hills to the Aeolis Palus below and seems to have been carved by flowing [[Water on Mars|water]].<ref name="NASA-20120927">{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Dwayne |last2=Cole |first2=Steve |last3=Webster |first3=Guy |last4=Agle |first4=D.C. |title=NASA Rover Finds Old Streambed On Martian Surface |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/sep/HQ_12-338_Mars_Water_Stream.html |date=September 27, 2012 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=September 28, 2012 |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513091007/https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/sep/HQ_12-338_Mars_Water_Stream.html }}</ref><ref name="NASA-20120927a">{{cite web|author=NASA|author-link=NASA |title=NASA's Curiosity Rover Finds Old Streambed on Mars - video (51:40)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYo31XjoXOk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/fYo31XjoXOk| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|date=September 27, 2012|publisher=[[NASA]]television|access-date=September 28, 2012 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="AP-20120927">{{cite web |last=Chang |first=Alicia |title=Mars rover Curiosity finds signs of ancient stream |url=http://apnews.excite.com/article/20120927/DA1IDOO00.html |date=September 27, 2012 |publisher=[[AP News]] |access-date=September 27, 2012 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053259/http://apnews.excite.com/article/20120927/DA1IDOO00.html }}</ref> Several lines of evidence suggest that a lake existed inside Gale shortly after the formation of the crater.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Fairén | first = A. G. | display-authors=etal |year = 2014 | title = A cold hydrological system in Gale crater, Mars | journal = Planetary and Space Science | volume = 93 | pages = 101–118 | doi=10.1016/j.pss.2014.03.002 | bibcode = 2014P&SS...93..101F }}</ref>

The NASA [[Mars rover]] [[Curiosity rover|''Curiosity'']], of the [[Mars Science Laboratory|Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)]] mission, landed in "Yellowknife" ''Quad 51''<ref name="NASA-20120810">{{cite web |author=NASA Staff |author-link=NASA |title=Curiosity's Quad - IMAGE |url=http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4408 |date=August 10, 2012 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=August 11, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="NASA-20120809">{{cite web |last1=Agle |first1=DC |last2=Webster |first2=Guy |last3=Brown |first3=Dwayne |title=NASA's Curiosity Beams Back a Color 360 of Gale Crate |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20120809.html |date=August 9, 2012 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602033109/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20120809.html }}</ref><ref name="BBC-20120809">{{cite news |last=Amos |first=Jonathan |title=Mars rover makes first colour panorama |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19201742 |date=August 9, 2012 |newspaper=[[BBC News]] |access-date=August 9, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="USA-20120809">{{cite news |last=Halvorson |first=Todd |title=Quad 51: Name of Mars base evokes rich parallels on Earth |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/story/2012-08-09/mars-panorama-curiosity-quad-51/56922978/1 |date=August 9, 2012 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=August 12, 2012 }}</ref> of [[Aeolis Palus]] in Gale at 05:32 UTC August 6, 2012.<ref name="Reuters-us-usa-mars-idUSBRE8721A920120806">{{cite web|author=Steve Gorman|author2=Irene Klotz|name-list-style=amp|title=NASA rover Curiosity makes historic Mars landing, beams back photos'|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-mars-idUSBRE8721A920120806|date=August 6, 2012 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=August 6, 2012 }}</ref> NASA named the landing location [[Bradbury Landing]] on August 22, 2012.<ref name="NASA-20120822">{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Dwayne |last2=Cole |first2=Steve |last3=Webster |first3=Guy |last4=Agle |first4=D.C. |title=NASA Mars Rover Begins Driving at Bradbury Landing |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/aug/HQ_12-292_Mars_Bradbury_Landing.html |date=August 22, 2012 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=August 22, 2012 |archive-date=November 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115041146/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/aug/HQ_12-292_Mars_Bradbury_Landing.html }}</ref> ''Curiosity'' is exploring Aeolis Mons and surrounding areas.{{when?|date=July 2024}}

==Description== [[Image:Topographic Map of Gale Crater.jpg|thumb|200px|Colorized shaded relief map of the crater Gale. The general landing area for ''Curiosity'' on the northwestern crater floor, named [[Aeolis Palus]], is circled. (HRSC data)]]

Gale, named for [[Walter Frederick Gale|Walter F. Gale]] (1865–1945), an amateur astronomer from Australia, spans {{convert|154|km|mi|abbr=on}} in diameter and holds a mountain, Aeolis Mons (informally named "Mount Sharp" to pay tribute to geologist [[Robert P. Sharp]]) rising {{convert|18000|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the crater floor, higher than [[Mount Rainier]] rises above Seattle. Gale is roughly the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The crater formed when an [[asteroid]] or [[comet]] hit Mars in its early history, about 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago. The [[Impact event|impactor]] punched a hole in the terrain, and the subsequent explosion ejected rocks and soil that landed around the crater. Layering in the central mound (Aeolis Mons) suggests it is the surviving remnant of an extensive sequence of deposits. Some scientists believe the crater filled in with sediments and, over time, the relentless Martian winds carved Aeolis Mons, which today rises about {{convert|5.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} above the floor of Gale—three times higher than the Grand Canyon is deep.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jet Propulsion Laboratory |url=http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/timeline/prelaunch/landingsiteselection/aboutgalecrater/ |title=Mars Science Laboratory: Curiosity's Landing Site: Gale Crater |publisher= NASA |access-date=August 18, 2012}}</ref>

At 10:32 p.m. PDT on August 5, 2012 (1:32 a.m. EDT on August 6, 2012), the Mars Science Laboratory rover ''Curiosity'' landed on Mars at {{Coord|4.5|S|137.4|E|globe:Mars}}, at the foot of the layered mountain inside Gale. ''Curiosity'' landed within a landing ellipse approximately {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on}} by {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The landing ellipse is about {{convert|4400|m|ft|abbr=on}} below Martian "sea level" (defined as the average elevation around the equator). The expected near-surface atmospheric temperatures at the landing site during ''Curiosity''{{'}}s primary mission (1 Martian year or 687 Earth days) are from {{convert|-90|to|0|C|F|abbr=on}}.

Scientists chose Gale as the landing site for ''Curiosity'' because it has many signs that water was present over its history. The crater's geology is notable for containing both clays and sulfate minerals, which form in water under different conditions and may also preserve signs of past life. The history of water at Gale, as recorded in its rocks, is giving ''Curiosity'' many clues to study as it pieces together whether Mars ever could have been a habitat for microbes. Gale contains a number of fans and deltas that provide information about lake levels in the past, including: Pancake Delta, Western Delta, Farah Vallis delta and the Peace Vallis Fan.<ref>{{Cite report |last1=Dietrich |first1=W. E. |last2=Palucis |first2=M. C. |last3=Parker |first3=T. |last4=Rubin |first4=D. |last5=Lewis |first5=K. |last6=Sumner |first6=D. |last7=Williams |first7=R.M.E. |date=2014 |title=Clues to the relative timing of lakes in Gale Crater |url=https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/8thmars2014/pdf/1178.pdf |series=Eighth International Conference on Mars (2014) }}</ref>

==Geology== Orbital [[Thermal Emission Imaging System|THEMIS]] and topography data, plus visible and [[near-infrared]] images, were used to make a [[geological map]] of the crater. [[Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars|CRISM]] data indicated the lower [[Bench (geology)|bench unit]] was composed of interstratified [[clay]] and [[sulfate]]s. Curiosity explored the stratigraphy of the crater consisting of the Bradbury [[group (geology)|Group]] and the overlying Mount Sharp Group. [[Formation (geology)|Formations]] within the Bradbury Group include the Yellowknife and Kimberley, while the Murray Formation is at the base of the Mount Sharp Group. The Bradbury Group consists of [[fluvial]] [[conglomerate (geology)|conglomerates]], [[cross bedding|cross-bedded]] [[sandstone]]s, and [[mudstone]]s reflecting a [[basaltic]] [[provenance (geology)|provenance]]. Sandstone clinoforms indicate [[deltaic deposit]]s. The Murray Formation is a laminated mudstone overlain by a cross-bedded or clinoform sandstone, though in places the base is a conglomerate. Thus, the formation is interpreted to have been deposited in a [[lacustrine]] environment adjacent to a fluvial-deltaic one. The Murray Formation is overlain by clay and sulfate-bearing strata.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McSween |first1=Harry |last2=Moersch |first2=Jeffrey |last3=Burr |first3=Devon |last4=Dunne |first4=William |last5=Emery |first5=Joshua |last6=Kah |first6=Linda |last7=McCanta |first7=Molly |title=Planetary Geoscience |date=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=978-1-107-14538-2 |pages=182, 302–310}}</ref>

An unusual feature of Gale is an enormous mound of "sedimentary debris"<ref name="NASA-Themis">{{cite web |author=Staff |title=The Mound In Gale Crater |url=https://themis.mars.asu.edu/vistas/5532 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=January 5, 2013 }}</ref> around its central peak, officially named [[Aeolis Mons]]<ref name="IAU-20120516" /><ref name="IAU-Aeolis-Mons" /> (popularly known as "Mount Sharp"<ref name="NASA-20120327">{{cite web|author=NASA Staff|title='Mount Sharp' on Mars Compared to Three Big Mountains on Earth|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia15292-Fig2.html|date=March 27, 2012|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=March 31, 2012|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507134815/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia15292-Fig2.html}}</ref><ref name="NASA-20120328">{{cite web |last=Agle |first=D. C. |title='Mount Sharp' On Mars Links Geology's Past and Future |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20120328.html |date=March 28, 2012 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=March 31, 2012 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205729/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20120328.html }}</ref>) rising {{convert|5.5|km|ft|abbr=on}} above the northern crater floor and {{convert|4.5|km|ft|abbr=on}} above the southern crater floor—slightly taller than the southern rim of the crater itself. The mound is composed of layered material and may have been laid down over a period of around 2 billion years.<ref name="themis"/> The origin of this mound is not known with certainty, but research suggests it is the eroded remnant of sedimentary layers that once filled the crater completely, possibly originally deposited on a lakebed.<ref name="themis"/> Evidence of fluvial activity was observed early on in the mission at the Shaler outcrop (first observed on Sol 120, investigated extensively between Sols 309-324).<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Edgar|first1=Lauren A.|last2=Gupta|first2=Sanjeev|last3=Rubin|first3=David M.|last4=Lewis|first4=Kevin W.|last5=Kocurek|first5=Gary A.|last6=Anderson|first6=Ryan B.|last7=Bell|first7=James F.|last8=Dromart|first8=Gilles|last9=Edgett|first9=Kenneth S.|date=June 21, 2017|title=Shaler: in situ analysis of a fluvial sedimentary deposit on Mars|journal=Sedimentology|volume=65|issue=1|pages=96–122|doi=10.1111/sed.12370|issn=0037-0746|doi-access=free|hdl=10044/1/45021|hdl-access=free}}</ref> Observations made by the rover ''Curiosity'' at the Pahrump Hills strongly support the lake hypothesis: sedimentary [[facies]] including sub mm-scale horizontally-laminated mudstones, with interbedded fluvial [[Cross-bedding|crossbeds]] are representative of sediments which accumulate in lakes, or on the margins of lakes which grow and contract in response to lake-level.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Grotzinger|first1=J. P.|last2=Sumner|first2=D. Y.|last3=Kah|first3=L. C.|last4=Stack|first4=K.|author-link4=Katie Stack Morgan|last5=Gupta|first5=S.|last6=Edgar|first6=L.|last7=Rubin|first7=D.|last8=Lewis|first8=K.|last9=Schieber|first9=J.|date=January 24, 2014|title=A Habitable Fluvio-Lacustrine Environment at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars|journal=Science|volume=343|issue=6169|article-number=1242777|doi=10.1126/science.1242777|issn=0036-8075|pmid=24324272|bibcode=2014Sci...343A.386G|citeseerx=10.1.1.455.3973|s2cid=52836398}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Stack|first1=Kathryn M.|author-link1=Katie Stack Morgan|last2=Grotzinger|first2=John P.|last3=Lamb|first3=Michael P.|last4=Gupta|first4=Sanjeev|last5=Rubin|first5=David M.|last6=Kah|first6=Linda C.|last7=Edgar|first7=Lauren A.|last8=Fey|first8=Deirdra M.|last9=Hurowitz|first9=Joel A.|date=November 8, 2018|title=Evidence for plunging river plume deposits in the Pahrump Hills member of the Murray formation, Gale crater, Mars|journal=Sedimentology|volume=66|issue=5|pages=1768–1802|doi=10.1111/sed.12558|issn=0037-0746|url=https://authors.library.caltech.edu/91200/2/sed12558-sup-0002-supinfos2.pdf|hdl=10044/1/71198|s2cid=133701807|hdl-access=free}}</ref> These lake-bed mudstones are referred to as the [[Murray Formation]], and form a significant amount of the Mount Sharp group. The Siccar Point group (named after the famous unconformity at [[Siccar Point]]) overlies the Mount Sharp group,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Fraeman|first1=A. A.|last2=Ehlmann|first2=B. L.|last3=Arvidson|first3=R. E.|last4=Edwards|first4=C. S.|last5=Grotzinger|first5=J. P.|last6=Milliken|first6=R. E.|last7=Quinn|first7=D. P.|last8=Rice|first8=M. S.|date=September 2016|title=The stratigraphy and evolution of lower Mount Sharp from spectral, morphological, and thermophysical orbital data sets|journal=Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets|volume=121|issue=9|pages=1713–1736|doi=10.1002/2016je005095|issn=2169-9097|pmc=5101845|pmid=27867788|bibcode=2016JGRE..121.1713F}}</ref> and the two units are separated by a major [[unconformity]] which dips toward the North.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=A.|first1=Watkins, J.|last2=J.|first2=Grotzinger|last3=N.|first3=Stein|last4=G.|first4=Banham, S.|last5=S.|first5=Gupta|last6=D.|first6=Rubin|last7=M.|first7=Stack, K.|last8=S.|first8=Edgett, K.|date=March 2016|title=Paleotopography of Erosional Unconformity, Base of Stimson Formation, Gale Crater, Mars|journal=Lunar and Planetary Science Conference|bibcode=2016LPI....47.2939W|volume=47|issue=1903|page=2939}}</ref> At present, the Stimson formation is the only stratigraphic unit within the Siccar Point group which has been investigated in-detail by ''Curiosity''. The Stimson formation represents the preserved expression of a dry [[Aeolian processes|aeolian]] [[dune field]], where sediment was transported towards the north, or northeast by palaeowinds within the crater.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Banham|first1=Steven G.|last2=Gupta|first2=Sanjeev|last3=Rubin|first3=David M.|last4=Watkins|first4=Jessica A.|last5=Sumner|first5=Dawn Y.|last6=Edgett|first6=Kenneth S.|last7=Grotzinger|first7=John P.|last8=Lewis|first8=Kevin W.|last9=Edgar|first9=Lauren A.|date=April 12, 2018|title=Ancient Martian aeolian processes and palaeomorphology reconstructed from the Stimson formation on the lower slope of Aeolis Mons, Gale crater, Mars|journal=Sedimentology|volume=65|issue=4|pages=993–1042|doi=10.1111/sed.12469|issn=0037-0746|doi-access=free|bibcode=2018Sedim..65..993B|hdl=10044/1/56923|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last1=Banham|first1=Steven G.|last2=Gupta|first2=Sanjeev|last3=Rubin|first3=David M.|last4=Edgett|first4=Kenneth S.|last5=Barnes|first5=Robert|last6=Beek|first6=Jason Van|last7=Watkins|first7=Jessica A.|last8=Edgar|first8=Lauren A.|last9=Fedo|first9=Christopher M.|last10=Williams|first10=Rebecca M.|last11=Stack|first11=Kathryn M.|date=2021|title=A Rock Record of Complex Aeolian Bedforms in a Hesperian Desert Landscape: The Stimson Formation as Exposed in the Murray Buttes, Gale Crater, Mars|journal=Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets|language=en|volume=126|issue=4|article-number=e2020JE006554|doi=10.1029/2020JE006554|bibcode=2021JGRE..12606554B|issn=2169-9100|doi-access=free}}</ref> In the Emerson plateau area (from Marias Pass, to East Glacier), the outcrops are characterised predominantly by simple cross-sets, deposited by simple sinuous-crested dunes, with heights up to ~10 m.<ref name=":0" /> To the south, at the Murray buttes, the outcrop are characterised by compound cross-sets, with a hierarchy of bounding surfaces migration of small dunes superimposed on the lee-slope of a large dune known as a "[[Draa (landform)|draa]]".<ref name=":1" /> These [[Draa (landform)|draas]] have estimates heights of ~40 m, and migrated toward the north, while superimposed dunes migrated toward the east-northeast.<ref name=":1" /> Further to the south, at the Greenheugh pediment, compound and simple cross-sets consistent with aeolian depositional processes have been observed in the pediment capping unit.<ref>Does the Greenheugh pediment capping unit represent a coninuation of the Stimson formation? S.G. Banham, S. Gupta, A.B. Bryk, D.M. Rubin, K.S. Edgett, W.E. Dietrich, C.M. Fedo, L.A. Edgar and A.R Vasavada, 51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (2020) https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2020/pdf/2337.pdf</ref> Observations made during the ascent of the Greenheugh pediment between Sols 2665-2734 demonstrated that the pediment capping unit has sedimentary textures, facies and architecture that are consistent with the rest of the Stimson formation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Banham |first1=Steven G. |last2=Gupta |first2=Sanjeev |last3=Rubin |first3=David M. |last4=Bedford |first4=Candice C. |last5=Edgar |first5=Lauren |last6=Bryk |first6=Alex |last7=Dietrich |first7=William E. |last8=Fedo |first8=Christopher M. |last9=Williams |first9=Rebecca M. |last10=Caravaca |first10=Gwénaël |last11=Barnes |first11=Robert |last12=Paar |first12=Gerhard |last13=Ortner |first13=Thomas |last14=Vasavada |first14=Ashwin |date=July 11, 2022 |title=Evidence for fluctuating wind in shaping an ancient Martian dune field: THE STIMSON FORMATION AT THE GREENHEUGH PEDIMENT, GALE CRATER. |journal=Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets |volume=127 |issue=9 |doi=10.1029/2021je007023 |bibcode=2022JGRE..12707023B |s2cid=250463771 |issn=2169-9097|url=https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-03867448/file/JGR%20Planets%20-%202022%20-%20Banham%20-%20Evidence%20for%20Fluctuating%20Wind%20in%20Shaping%20an%20Ancient%20Martian%20Dune%20Field%20The%20Stimson%20Formation.pdf }}</ref> Furthermore, analysis of sedimentary facies and architecture provided evidence which indicates fluctuating wind directions, from a seasonal temporal scale - recorded by interstratified windripple and avalanche strata, through to millennial time scales recorded by reversal of the sediment transport direction.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Banham |first1=Steven G. |last2=Gupta |first2=Sanjeev |last3=Rubin |first3=David M. |last4=Bedford |first4=Candice C. |last5=Edgar |first5=Lauren |last6=Bryk |first6=Alex |last7=Dietrich |first7=William E. |last8=Fedo |first8=Christopher M. |last9=Williams |first9=Rebecca M. |last10=Caravaca |first10=Gwénaël |last11=Barnes |first11=Robert |last12=Paar |first12=Gerhard |last13=Ortner |first13=Thomas |last14=Vasavada |first14=Ashwin |date=July 11, 2022 |title=Evidence for fluctuating wind in shaping an ancient Martian dune field: THE STIMSON FORMATION AT THE GREENHEUGH PEDIMENT, GALE CRATER. |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021JE007023 |journal=Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets |volume=127 |issue=9 |language=en |doi=10.1029/2021JE007023 |bibcode=2022JGRE..12707023B |s2cid=250463771 |issn=2169-9097}}</ref> These wind reversals suggest variable and changeable atmospheric circulation during this time.

Observations of possible cross-bedded strata on the upper mound suggest [[aeolian processes]], but the origin of the lower mound layers remains ambiguous.<ref>{{cite journal | first1=Ryan B. |last1=Anderson |first2=James F. III |last2= Bell |s2cid=3505206 | title=Geologic mapping and characterization of Gale Crater and implications for its potential as a Mars Science Laboratory landing site| journal= The Mars Journal| volume =5 | pages=76–128 | date=2010 |bibcode = 2010IJMSE...5...76A |doi=10.1555/mars.2010.0004}}</ref>

In February 2019, NASA scientists [[Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory#2019 events|reported]] that the [[Curiosity (rover)|Mars ''Curiosity'' rover]] had determined, for the first time, the [[density]] of [[Mount Sharp]] in Gale, thereby establishing a clearer understanding of how the mountain was formed.<ref name="NYT-20100131">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |title=How NASA's Curiosity Rover Weighed a Mountain on Mars - With a bit of technical improvisation, scientists worked out that the bedrock of Mount Sharp appeared to be less dense than had been expected. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/science/mars-curiosity-rover-mount-sharp.html |date=January 31, 2019 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=February 1, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20190201">{{cite journal |author=Lewis, Kevin W. |title=A surface gravity traverse on Mars indicates low bedrock density at Gale crater |date=February 1, 2019 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=363 |issue=6426 |pages=535–537 |doi=10.1126/science.aat0738 |pmid=30705193 |bibcode=2019Sci...363..535L |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Gale is located at about {{coord|5.4|S|137.8|E|globe:Mars}} on Mars.<ref name=gmgale>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/mars/#lat=-3.030812&lon=138.383789&zoom=5&q=gale%20crater |title= Gale crater |work= Google Mars |access-date=August 18, 2012}}</ref>

==Spacecraft exploration== {{see also|Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory}} [[File:PIA22210-Mars-CuriosityRover-GaleCrater-20171025-annotated.jpg|thumb|center|750px|{{center|1=[[Curiosity (rover)|''Curiosity''{{'}}s]] view of the interior of Gale from the slopes (at {{convert|327|m|ft|abbr=on}} elevation) of [[Mount Sharp]] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5nrrnAukwI video (1:53)]) (October 25, 2017)}}]]

Numerous channels eroded into the flanks of the crater's central mound could give access to the layers for study.<ref name="themis"/> Gale is the landing site of the ''[[Curiosity (rover)|Curiosity]]'' rover, delivered by the [[Mars Science Laboratory]] spacecraft,<ref>{{cite news|author=The Associated Press|title=NASA Launches Sophisticated Rover on Journey to Mars|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/science/space/nasas-curiosity-rover-sets-off-for-mars-mission.html|date=November 26, 2011|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 26, 2011}}</ref> which was launched November 26, 2011 and landed on Mars inside the crater Gale on the plains of [[Aeolis Palus]]<ref name="IAU-Aeolis-Palus">{{cite web|author=IAU|title=Planetary Names: Palus, paludes: Aeolis Palus on Mars|url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/15001|date=May 16, 2012|publisher=[[USGS]]|access-date=May 28, 2012}}</ref> on August 6, 2012.<ref name="launch date announcement">{{cite web|title=Geometry Drives Selection Date for 2011 Mars Launch|url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010-171|work=News and Features|publisher=NASA/JPL-Caltech|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418040333/https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010-171}}</ref><ref name="Gale Crater">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Guy |last2=Brown |first2=Dwayne |title=NASA's Next Mars Rover To Land At Gale Crater |date=July 22, 2011 |publisher=[[NASA JPL]] |url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2011-222#1 |access-date=July 22, 2011 |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607022755/http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2011-222#1 }}</ref><ref name="Gale Crater2">{{cite web |last1= Chow |first1=Denise|title=NASA's Next Mars Rover to Land at Huge Gale Crater|url=https://www.space.com/12394-nasa-mars-rover-landing-site-unveiled.html |date=July 22, 2011|publisher=[[Space.com]] |access-date=July 22, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Gale Crater3">{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Amos |title=Mars rover aims for deep crater |date=July 22, 2011|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14249524|work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=July 22, 2011}}</ref> Gale was previously a candidate landing site for the 2003 [[Mars Exploration Rover]] mission, and has been one of four prospective sites for [[ESA]]'s [[ExoMars]].<ref>{{cite web| url= https://article.wn.com/view/2011/05/16/Mars_landing_sites_down_to_final_four/ |title= Mars landing sites down to final four | publisher= [[World News (WN) Network]] }}</ref>

In December 2012, scientists working on the Mars Science Laboratory mission announced that an extensive [[soil analysis]] of [[Martian soil]] performed by ''Curiosity'' showed evidence of [[Water on Mars|water molecules]], [[sulphur]] and [[chlorine]], as well as hints of [[organic compounds]].<ref name="NASA-20121203">{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Dwayne |last2=Webster |first2=Guy |last3=Neal-Jones |first3=Nancy |title=NASA Mars Rover Fully Analyzes First Martian Soil Samples |url=http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/news/whatsnew/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=1399 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205005911/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/news/whatsnew/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=1399 |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=December 3, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20121203">{{cite web |last=Chang |first=Ken |title=Mars Rover Discovery Revealed |url=http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/mars-rover-discovery-revealed |date=December 3, 2012 |work=[[New York Times]] |access-date=December 3, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="NZ-20121204">{{cite news |last=Satherley |first=Dan |title='Complex chemistry' found on Mars |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Complex-chemistry-found-on-Mars/tabid/1160/articleID/279080/Default.aspx |work=[[3 News]] |date=December 4, 2012 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |archive-date=March 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309023648/http://www.3news.co.nz/Complex-chemistry-found-on-Mars/tabid/1160/articleID/279080/Default.aspx }}</ref> However, [[Earth|terrestrial]] contamination, as the source of the organic compounds, could not be ruled out.

On September 26, 2013, NASA scientists reported that ''Curiosity'' detected "abundant, easily accessible" [[Water on Mars|water]] (1.5 to 3 weight percent) in [[Martian soil|soil samples]] at the [[Rocknest (Mars)|Rocknest region]] of [[Aeolis Palus]] in Gale.<ref name="ST-20130926">{{cite web |last=Lieberman |first=Josh |title=Mars Water Found: Curiosity Rover Uncovers 'Abundant, Easily Accessible' Water In Martian Soil |url=http://www.isciencetimes.com/articles/6131/20130926/mars-water-soil-nasa-curiosity-rover-martian.htm |date=September 26, 2013 |work=iSciencetimes |access-date=September 26, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Science-20130926a">{{cite journal |author=Leshin, L. A. |s2cid=206549244 |display-authors=etal |title=Volatile, Isotope, and Organic Analysis of Martian Fines with the Mars Curiosity Rover |date=September 27, 2013 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=341 |number=6153 |doi=10.1126/science.1238937 |article-number=1238937 |pmid=24072926|bibcode=2013Sci...341E...3L }}</ref><ref name="Science-20130926">{{cite journal |last=Grotzinger |first=John |title=Introduction To Special Issue: Analysis of Surface Materials by the Curiosity Mars Rover |date=September 26, 2013 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=341 |number=6153 |page=1475 |doi=10.1126/science.1244258 |pmid=24072916 |bibcode = 2013Sci...341.1475G |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="NASA-20130926a">{{cite web |last1=Neal-Jones |first1=Nancy |last2=Zubritsky |first2=Elizabeth |last3=Webster |first3=Guy |last4=Martialay |first4=Mary |title=Curiosity's SAM Instrument Finds Water and More in Surface Sample |url=http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/curiositys-sam-instrument-finds-water-and-more-in-surface-sample/ |date=September 26, 2013 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=September 27, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="NASA-20130926b">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Guy |last2=Brown |first2=Dwayne |title=Science Gains From Diverse Landing Area of Curiosity |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20130926.html |date=September 26, 2013 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=September 27, 2013 |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502194152/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20130926.html }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20131001">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |title=Hitting Pay Dirt on Mars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/science/space/hitting-pay-dirt-on-mars.html |date=October 1, 2013 |work=[[New York Times]] |access-date=October 2, 2013 }}</ref> In addition, the rover found two principal soil types: a fine-grained [[Mafic|mafic type]] and a locally derived, coarse-grained [[Felsic|felsic type]].<ref name="Science-20130926" /><ref name="NASA-20130926b" /><ref name="Science-20130913b">{{cite journal |author=Meslin, P.-Y. |display-authors=etal |title=Soil Diversity and Hydration as Observed by ChemCam at Gale Crater, Mars |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1238670 |date=September 26, 2013 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=341 |issue=6153 |doi=10.1126/science.1238670|access-date=September 27, 2013 |article-number=1238670 |pmid=24072924|bibcode=2013Sci...341E...1M |s2cid=7418294 |url-access=subscription |doi-access=free }}</ref> The mafic type, similar to other [[martian soil]]s and [[martian dust]], was associated with hydration of the amorphous phases of the soil.<ref name="Science-20130913b" /> Also, [[perchlorates]], the presence of which may make detection of life-related [[organic molecule]]s difficult, were found at the ''Curiosity'' landing site (and earlier at the more polar site of the [[Phoenix (spacecraft)|Phoenix lander]]) suggesting a "global distribution of these salts".<ref name="NYT-20131001" /> NASA also reported that [[Jake M (rock)|Jake M rock]], a rock encountered by ''Curiosity'' on the way to [[Glenelg, Mars|Glenelg]], was a [[mugearite]] and very similar to terrestrial mugearite rocks.<ref name="Science-20130926c">{{Cite journal |display-authors=8 |last1=Stolper |first1=E.M. |last2=Baker |first2=M.B. |last3=Newcombe |first3=M.E. |last4=Schmidt |first4=M.E. |last5=Treiman |first5=A.H. |last6=Cousin |first6=A. |last7=Dyar |first7=M.D. |last8=Fisk |first8=M.R. |last9=Gellert |first9=R. |last10=King |first10=P.L. |last11=Leshin |first11=L. |last12=Maurice |first12=S. |last13=McLennan |first13=S.M. |last14=Minitti |first14=M.E. |last15=Perrett |first15=G. |last16=Rowland |first16=S. |last17=Sautter |first17=V. |last18=Wiens |first18=R.C. |last19=MSL ScienceTeam |title=The Petrochemistry of Jake_M: A Martian Mugearite |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=341 |issue=6153 |doi=10.1126/science.1239463 |article-number=1239463 |pmid=24072927 |bibcode=2013Sci...341E...4S |year=2013 |s2cid=16515295 |url=https://authors.library.caltech.edu/41547/13/Jake_M%20Stolper%20et%20al.%20%282013%29%20Science.pdf |access-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811150621/https://authors.library.caltech.edu/41547/13/Jake_M%20Stolper%20et%20al.%20(2013)%20Science.pdf }}</ref>

On December 9, 2013, NASA reported that, based on evidence from ''Curiosity'' studying Aeolis Palus, Gale contained an ancient [[freshwater lake]] which could have been a hospitable environment for [[microbial life]].<ref name="NYT-20131209">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |title=On Mars, an Ancient Lake and Perhaps Life |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/10/science/space/on-mars-an-ancient-lake-and-perhaps-life.html |date=December 9, 2013 |work=[[New York Times]]|access-date=December 9, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20131209">{{cite journal |author=Various |title=Science - Special Collection - Curiosity Rover on Mars |url=https://www.science.org/action/doSearch?AllField=Curiosity+Mars |date=December 9, 2013 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |access-date=December 9, 2013 }}</ref>

On December 16, 2014, NASA reported detecting, by the ''Curiosity'' rover at Gale, an unusual increase, then decrease, in the amounts of [[methane]] in the [[Atmosphere of Mars|atmosphere]] of the planet [[Mars]]; in addition, [[organic chemical]]s were detected in powder drilled from a [[List of rocks on Mars|rock]]. Also, based on [[deuterium]] to [[hydrogen]] ratio studies, much of the [[Water on Mars|water]] at Gale on Mars was found to have been lost during ancient times, before the lakebed in the crater was formed; afterwards, large amounts of water continued to be lost.<ref name="NASA-20141216-GW">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Guy |last2=Neal-Jones |first2=Nancy |last3=Brown |first3=Dwayne |title=NASA Rover Finds Active and Ancient Organic Chemistry on Mars |url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2014-432 |date=December 16, 2014 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=December 16, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20141216-KC">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |title='A Great Moment': Rover Finds Clue That Mars May Harbor Life |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/science/a-new-clue-in-the-search-for-life-on-mars.html |date=December 16, 2014 |work=[[New York Times]] |access-date=December 16, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20141216-PRM">{{cite journal |author=Mahaffy, P.R. |display-authors=etal |title=Mars Atmosphere - The imprint of atmospheric evolution in the D/H of Hesperian clay minerals on Mars |date=December 16, 2014 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |doi=10.1126/science.1260291 |bibcode = 2015Sci...347..412M |volume=347 |issue=6220 |pages=412–414 |pmid=25515119|s2cid=37075396 |url=https://authors.library.caltech.edu/52528/7/Mahaffy-SM.pdf }}</ref>

On October 8, 2015, NASA confirmed that lakes and streams existed in Gale 3.3 to 3.8 billion years ago delivering sediments to build up the lower layers of [[Mount Sharp]].<ref name="NASA-20151008">{{cite web |last=Clavin |first=Whitney |title=NASA's Curiosity Rover Team Confirms Ancient Lakes on Mars |url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4734 |date=October 8, 2015 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=October 9, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20151009">{{cite journal |author=Grotzinger, J.P. |title=Deposition, exhumation, and paleoclimate of an ancient lake deposit, Gale crater, Mars |date=October 9, 2015 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=350 |number=6257 |doi=10.1126/science.aac7575 |display-authors=etal|bibcode = 2015Sci...350.7575G |article-number=aac7575 |pmid=26450214|s2cid=586848 |url=https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20151009-084255932 }}</ref>

On June 1, 2017, NASA reported that the ''Curiosity'' rover provided evidence of an ancient lake in Gale on [[Mars]] that could have been favorable for [[microorganism|microbial life]]; the ancient lake was [[Lake stratification|stratified]], with shallows rich in [[Oxidizing agent|oxidants]] and depths poor in oxidants; and, the ancient lake provided many different types of microbe-friendly environments at the same time. NASA further reported that the ''Curiosity'' rover will continue to explore higher and younger layers of [[Mount Sharp]] in order to determine how the lake environment in ancient times on Mars became the drier environment in more modern times.<ref name="NASA-20170531">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Guy |last2=Mullane |first2=Laura |last3=Cantillo |first3=Laurie |last4=Brown |first4=Dwayne |title=High-Silica 'Halos' Shed Light on Wet Ancient Mars |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6859 |date=May 31, 2017 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=June 1, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="NASA-20170601">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Guy |last2=Filiano |first2=Gregory |last3=Perkins |first3=Robert|last4=Cantillo |first4=Laurie |last5=Brown |first5=Dwayne |title=Curiosity Peels Back Layers on Ancient Martian Lake |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6863 |date=June 1, 2017 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=June 1, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20170602">{{cite journal |author=Hurowitz, J.A.|display-authors=etal |title=Redox stratification of an ancient lake in Gale crater, Mars |date=June 2, 2017 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=356 |issue=6341 |article-number=eaah6849 |doi=10.1126/science.aah6849 |pmid=28572336 |bibcode=2017Sci...356.6849H |doi-access=free |hdl=10044/1/53715 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

On August 5, 2017, NASA celebrated the fifth anniversary of the ''Curiosity'' rover mission landing, and related exploratory accomplishments, on the planet [[Mars]].<ref name="NASA-20170802">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Guy |last2=Cantillo |first2=Laurie |last3=Brown |first3=Dwayne |title=Five Years Ago and 154 Million Miles Away: Touchdown! |url=https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/news/2017/five-years-ago-and-154-million-miles-away-touchdown |date=August 2, 2017 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=August 8, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="SP-20170805">{{cite web |last=Wall |first=Mike |title=After 5 Years on Mars, NASA's Curiosity Rover Is Still Making Big Discoveries |url=https://www.space.com/37722-mars-rover-curiosity-five-years-anniversary.html |date=August 5, 2017 |work=[[Space.com]] |access-date=August 8, 2017 }}</ref> (Videos: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxvODcuFb1s ''Curiosity''{{'s}} First Five Years (02:07)]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0nPFaBU98k ''Curiosity''{{'s}} POV: Five Years Driving (05:49)]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-uAz82sH-E ''Curiosity''{{'s}} Discoveries About Gale Crater (02:54)])

On June 7, 2018, [[NASA]]'s ''Curiosity'' made two significant discoveries in Gale. [[Organic molecule]]s preserved in 3.5 billion-year-old bedrock and seasonal variations in the level of [[methane]] in the atmosphere further support the theory that past conditions may have been conducive to life.<ref name="NASA-20180607">{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Dwayne |last2=Wendel |first2=JoAnna |last3=Steigerwald |first3=Bill |last4=Jones |first4=Nancy |last5=Good |first5=Andrew |title=Release 18-050 - NASA Finds Ancient Organic Material, Mysterious Methane on Mars |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-finds-ancient-organic-material-mysterious-methane-on-mars |date=June 7, 2018 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=June 7, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="NASA-20180607vid">{{cite web |author=NASA |title=Ancient Organics Discovered on Mars - video (03:17) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0gsz8EHiNc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/a0gsz8EHiNc| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|date=June 7, 2018 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=June 7, 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="SPC-20180607">{{cite web |last=Wall |first=Mike |title=Curiosity Rover Finds Ancient 'Building Blocks for Life' on Mars |url=https://www.space.com/40819-mars-methane-organics-curiosity-rover.html |date=June 7, 2018 |work=[[Space.com]] |access-date=June 7, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20180607">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |title=Life on Mars? Rover's Latest Discovery Puts It 'On the Table' - The identification of organic molecules in rocks on the red planet does not necessarily point to life there, past or present, but does indicate that some of the building blocks were present. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/science/mars-nasa-life.html |date=June 7, 2018 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=June 8, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20180607">{{cite journal |last=Voosen |first=Paul |title=NASA rover hits organic pay dirt on Mars |url=https://www.science.org/content/article/nasa-rover-hits-organic-pay-dirt-mars |date=June 7, 2018 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] | doi=10.1126/science.aau3992 |s2cid=115442477 |access-date=June 7, 2018 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20180608a">{{cite journal |last=ten Kate |first=Inge Loes |title=Organic molecules on Mars |date=June 8, 2018 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=360 |issue=6393 |pages=1068–1069 |doi=10.1126/science.aat2662|pmid=29880670 |bibcode=2018Sci...360.1068T |hdl=1874/366378 |s2cid=46952468 |hdl-access=free }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20180608b">{{cite journal |author=Webster, Christopher R.|display-authors=etal |title=Background levels of methane in Mars' atmosphere show strong seasonal variations |date=June 8, 2018 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=360 |issue=6393 |pages=1093–1096 |doi=10.1126/science.aaq0131|pmid=29880682 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2018Sci...360.1093W |hdl=10261/214738 |hdl-access=free }}</ref><ref name="SCI-20180608c">{{cite journal |author=Eigenbrode, Jennifer L.|display-authors=etal |title=Organic matter preserved in 3-billion-year-old mudstones at Gale crater, Mars |date=June 8, 2018 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=360 |issue=6393 |pages=1096–1101 |doi= 10.1126/science.aas9185|pmid=29880683 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2018Sci...360.1096E |hdl=10044/1/60810 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> It is possible that a form of water-rock chemistry might have generated the methane, but scientists cannot rule out the possibility of biological origins. Methane previously had been detected in Mars's atmosphere in large, unpredictable plumes. This new result shows that low levels of methane within Gale repeatedly peak in warm, summer months and drop in the winter every year. Organic carbon concentrations were discovered on the order of 10 parts per million or more. This is close to the amount observed in Martian meteorites and about 100 times greater than prior analysis of organic carbon on Mars's surface. Some of the molecules identified include thiophenes, benzene, toluene, and small carbon chains, such as propane or butene.<ref name="NASA-20180607" />

On November 4, 2018, geologists presented evidence, based on studies in Gale by the ''Curiosity'' rover, that there was plenty of [[Water on Mars|water]] on early [[Mars]].<ref name="EA-20181103-gsa">{{cite news |author=Geological Society of America |title=Evidence of outburst flooding indicates plentiful water on early Mars |url=https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/gsoa-eoo110318.php |date=November 3, 2018 |work=[[EurekAlert!]] |access-date=November 5, 2018 |author-link=Geological Society of America |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082925/https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/gsoa-eoo110318.php }}</ref><ref name="GSA-20181104">{{cite journal |author=Heydari, Ezat|display-authors=etal |title=Significance of Flood Depositis in Gale Crater, Mars |url=https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2018AM/webprogram/Paper319960.html |date=November 4, 2018 |journal=[[Geological Society of America]] |access-date=November 5, 2018 }}</ref> In January 2020, researchers have found certain minerals, made of carbon and oxygen, in rocks at Gale, which may have formed in an ice-covered lake during a cold stage between warmer periods, or after Mars lost most of its atmosphere and became permanently cold.<ref>{{cite news|author=H. B. Franz|display-authors=etal|title=Indigenous and exogenous organics and surface–atmosphere cycling inferred from carbon and oxygen isotopes at Gale crater|publisher=Nature Astronomy|year=2020|volume=4|pages=526–532|doi=10.1038/s41550-019-0990-x}}</ref>

On November 5, 2020, researchers concluded based on data observed by ''Curiosity'' rover that Gale experienced megafloods which occurred around 4 billion years ago, taking into consideration [[antidunes]] reaching the height of {{convert|10|m|sp=us}}, which were formed by flood waters at least {{convert|24|m|sp=us}} deep with a velocity of {{convert|10|m/s|mph|sp=us}}.<ref>{{cite news|author=E. Heydari|display-authors=etal|title=Deposits from giant floods in Gale crater and their implications for the climate of early Mars|publisher=Scientific Reports|year=2020|volume=10|issue=19099|doi=10.1038/s41598-020-75665-7}}</ref>

Research published in August, 2023 found evidence that liquid water may have existed over thousands to millions of years and not just when an impact or volcano erupted. Shapes in a field of hexagonal ridges revealed that water appeared and then went away many times. The water did not just result from ground ice melting from something like an asteroid impact. To make these ridges many cycles of water saturating the surface and then drying were required. Chemicals were deposited by mineral-rich fluids in cracks. The minerals hardened such that they were harder than the rock around them. Later, when erosion took place, ridges were exposed.

<gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px"> File:Mudcracks on Mars.jpg|Mudcracks as seen by ''Curiosity'' in Gale. Shapes imply that water saturated the area and dried out many times; hence, the existence of water was not just a one-time, short-lived event. </gallery>

This discovery is significant. Much evidence exists to show that impacts and volcanic activity could melt ground ice to make liquid water. However, that water may not last long enough for life to develop. This new finding shows here it is not the case–water stayed for some time. Also, with water coming and going on a regular pace, there is a better chance of more complex organic compounds being produced. As water evaporates chemicals are concentrated and have a better chance of combining. For example when amino acids are concentrated they are more likely to link up to form proteins.<ref>Rapin, W., et al. 2023. Sustained wet–dry cycling on early Mars. ''Nature''. Vol 620: 299</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://mars.nasa.gov/news/9459/cracks-in-ancient-martian-mud-surprise-nasas-curiosity-rover-team/ | title=Cracks in Ancient Martian Mud Surprise NASA's Curiosity Rover Team | date=August 9, 2023 }}</ref>

''Curiosity'' found features that computer simulations show could be caused by past streams. They have been called benches and noses. The "noses" stick out like noses. Computer simulations show that these shapes can be produced by rivers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cardenas |first1=Benjamin T. |last2=Stacey |first2=Kaitlyn |date=2023 |title=Landforms Associated With the Aspect-Controlled Exhumation of Crater-Filling Alluvial Strata on Mars |journal=Geophysical Research Letters |language=en |volume=50 |issue=15 |doi=10.1029/2023GL103618|doi-access=free |bibcode=2023GeoRL..5003618C }}</ref><ref>Cardenas, B., and K. Staciey. 2023. Landforms Associated With the Aspect-Controlled Exhumation of Crater-Filling Alluvial Strata on Mars. Geophysical Research letters. Volume50, Issue15 16 August 2023 e2023GL103618</ref>

In July 2024 the Rover cracked open a rock with its wheel and found crystals of [[sulfur]]. Minerals containing sulfur were discovered, but never the pure element. It was found in Gediz Vallis.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-discovers-a-surprise-in-a-martian-rock | title=NASA's Curiosity Rover Discovers a Surprise in a Martian Rock | website=[[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] }}</ref>

Research published in February 2025 described wave ripples in Gale that show that liquid water flowed there. The ripples were found in two different time periods. Calculations based on their shape and sizes revealed that they were formed in shallow moving water. The water could have been as deep as 2 meters. Before this study, it was thought that any exposed body of water would quickly develop a sheet of ice at the top.<ref>{{cite journal | doi=10.1126/sciadv.adr0010 | title=Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars | date=2025 | last1=Mondro | first1=Claire A. | last2=Fedo | first2=Christopher M. | last3=Grotzinger | first3=John P. | last4=Lamb | first4=Michael P. | last5=Gupta | first5=Sanjeev | last6=Dietrich | first6=William E. | last7=Banham | first7=Steven | last8=Weitz | first8=Catherine M. | last9=Gasda | first9=Patrick | last10=Edgar | first10=Lauren A. | last11=Rubin | first11=David | last12=Bryk | first12=Alexander B. | last13=Kite | first13=Edwin S. | last14=Caravaca | first14=Gwénaël | last15=Schieber | first15=Juergen | last16=Vasavada | first16=Ashwin R. | journal=Science Advances | volume=11 | issue=3 | article-number=eadr0010 | pmid=39813357 | pmc=11734734 | bibcode=2025SciA...11R..10M }}</ref><ref>Mondro, C., et al. 2015. Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars. Science Advances. Vol 11, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref>

The first organic molecules found in Gale crater were simple aromatic, S-heterocycles, and aliphatic organic molecules. In research done by a very large group of scientists, over 20 organic molecules from clay-bearing sandstones were described. They were discovered in the ~3.5-billion-year-old Knockfarrill Hill member of Glen Torridon, Gale crater, by the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite onboard the Curiosity rover. It can’t be determined how these molecules were made. They could be exogenous (e.g., meteoritic, cometary, or interplanetary dust particles) or endogenous (e.g., abiotically or biologically produced). <ref>{{cite journal |last1=Williams |first1=Amy J. |last2=Eigenbrode |first2=Jennifer L. |last3=Millan |first3=Maëva |last4=Williams |first4=Ross H. |last5=Mcintosh |first5=Ophélie M. |last6=Teinturier |first6=Samuel |last7=Roach |first7=Janelle |last8=Malespin |first8=Charles |last9=McAdam |first9=Amy C. |last10=Mahaffy |first10=Paul |last11=Bryk |first11=Alexander B. |last12=Buch |first12=Arnaud |last13=Boulesteix |first13=David |last14=Chou |first14=Luoth |last15=Dworkin |first15=Jason P. |last16=Fox |first16=Valerie |last17=Franz |first17=Heather B. |last18=Freissinet |first18=Caroline |last19=Glavin |first19=Daniel P. |last20=House |first20=Christopher H. |last21=Johnson |first21=Sarah Stewart |last22=Lewis |first22=James M. T. |last23=Mojarro |first23=Angel |last24=Navarro-Gonzalez |first24=Rafael |last25=Pozarycki |first25=Chad |last26=Steele |first26=Andrew |last27=Summons |first27=Roger E. |last28=Szopa |first28=Cyril |last29=Thorpe |first29=Michael T. |last30=Vasavada |first30=Ashwin R. |display-authors=5 |title=Diverse organic molecules on Mars revealed by the first SAM TMAH experiment |journal=Nature Communications |date=21 April 2026 |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=2748 |doi=10.1038/s41467-026-70656-0 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70656-0 |access-date=23 April 2026 |language=en |issn=2041-1723|doi-access=free }}{{Creative Commons text attribution notice|cc=by4|from this source=yes}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |last1=David |first1=Leonard |title=NASA's Curiosity rover finds building blocks of life on Mars. Scientists aren't sure how they got there |url=https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/nasas-curiosity-rover-finds-building-blocks-of-life-on-mars-scientists-arent-sure-how-they-got-there |website=Space.com |publisher=Future US |access-date=23 April 2026 |date=20 April 2026}}</ref> <ref>https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-finds-organic-molecules-never-seen-before-on-mars/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1-nasajpl&utm_content=daily20260421-1</ref>

==Images== <gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px"> Image:Daybreak at Gale Crater.jpg|Mars between day and night, with an area containing Gale crater, beginning to catch the morning light Image:Schiaparelli 1889 versus Mars crop.jpg|Maps of Mars - old and new - Gale is noted in the middle of the image Image:MSL landing sites topograph.png|Map of actual (and proposed) rover landing sites including Gale Image:Elysium Planitia topo.jpg|Map of [[Elysium Planitia]] - Gale is in the lower left - [[Aeolis Mons]] is in the middle of the crater Image:Aeolis map.JPG|Map of [[Aeolis quadrangle]] - Gale is in the upper left - Aeolis Mons is in the middle of the crater Image:PIA19674-Mars-GaleCrater-SurfaceMaterials-20150619.jpg|Gale crater - surface materials (false colors; [[Thermal Emission Imaging System|THEMIS]]; [[2001 Mars Odyssey]]) Image:Mars Science Laboratory landing ellipse reduced.jpg|Gale crater landing site is within [[Aeolis Palus]] near Aeolis Mons - north is down. Image:PIA19080-MarsRoverCuriosity-AncientGaleLake-Simulated-20141208.jpg|Ancient Lake fills Gale Crater on Mars (simulated view). Image:PIA17596-MarsCuriosityRover-AncientLake-20131209.jpg|Estimated size of ancient lake on [[Aeolis Palus]] in Gale<ref name="NYT-20131209" /><ref name="SCI-20131209" /> Image:PIA16158-Mars Curiosity Rover-Water-AlluvialFan.jpg|[[Peace Vallis]] and [[alluvial fan]] near the [[Curiosity (rover)|''Curiosity'' rover]] landing ellipse and site (noted by +) Image:Curiosity landing site (artist's rendition with 2x vertical exaggeration).jpg|Gale crater - landing site is noted - also, [[alluvial fan]] (blue) and [[sediment|sediment layers]] in Aeolis Mons (cutaway) Image:Topography gravity gale crater.jpg|Gale crater - [[Topographic map|topographic]] and [[gravity field]] maps - landing site is noted - [https://web.archive.org/web/20130410022448/http://geodesy.curtin.edu.au/research/models/mgm2011/ Mars gravity model 2011] Image:Moundshigh.svg|[[Aeolis Mons]] may have formed from the erosion of [[sediment|sediment layers]] that once filled Gale. Image:Gale crater layers.JPG|Gale [[sediment|sediment layers]] may have formed by lake or windblown particle deposition. Image:Gale Crater Grand Canyon.JPG|Gale's "[[Grand Canyon]]", as seen by [[HiRISE]] - scale bar is 500 meters long Image:PIA16064-Mars Curiosity Rover Treasure Map.jpg|''Curiosity'' landing site (green dot) - blue dot marks "[[Glenelg, Mars|Glenelg Intrigue]]" - blue spot marks base of Aeolis Mons - a planned area of study Image:Curiosity Rover Landing Site - Quadmapping Yellowknife.jpg|''Curiosity'' landing site - "[[Quadrangle (geography)|quad map]]" includes "Yellowknife" ''Quad 51'' of [[Aeolis Palus]] in Gale crater Image:Mars Curiosity Rover - Yellowknife Landing Site.jpg|''Curiosity'' landing site - "Yellowknife" ''Quad 51'' (1-mi-by-1-mi) of Aeolis Palus in Gale Image:PIA15696-HiRISE-MSL-Sol11 2 -br2.jpg|[[Mars Science Laboratory|MSL]] [[Space debris|debris field]] viewed by [[HiRISE]] on August 17, 2012 - parachute is {{convert|615|m|ft|abbr=on}} from the [[Curiosity Rover|rover]]<ref>[http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4299 Mars Science Laboratory: Multimedia-Images]</ref> (3-D: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130512005245/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/Rover3D-pia16208-br2.jpg rover] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012939/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/Parachute3D-pia16209-br2.jpg parachute]) Image:Curiosity Rover (Exaggerated Color) - HiRISE - 20120814.jpg|''Curiosity'' landing site ("[[Bradbury Landing]]") viewed by [[HiRISE]] ([[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter|MRO]]) (August 14, 2012) Image:PIA17085-MarsCuriosityRover-TraverseMap-Sol351-20130801.jpg|First-year and first-mile [http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/whereistherovernow/ traverse map] of ''Curiosity'' on Mars (August 1, 2013) ([http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA16210.jpg 3-D]) Image:PIA19400-MarsCuriosityRover-GaleCrater-Sunset-20150415.jpg|Sunset - [[Gale crater]] (April 15, 2015) Image:PIA19401-MarsCuriosityRover-GaleCrater-Sunset-Animation-20150415.gif|Sunset (animated) - Gale crater (April 15, 2015) </gallery>

==Surface images== <gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px"> Image:673885main PIA15986-full full.jpg|[[Aeolis Palus]] and [[Aeolis Mons]] in Gale as viewed by ''[[Curiosity (rover)|Curiosity]]'' (August 6, 2012) Image:First two full-resolution images from the Curosity rover.jpg|The rim and floor of Gale as viewed by ''Curiosity'' (August 9, 2012) Image:676029main pia16052-color-full full.jpg|Gale rim about {{convert|18|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of ''Curiosity'' (August 9, 2012) Image:PIA16105 malin04ano-br2.jpg|Layers at the base of Aeolis Mons - dark rock in inset is same size as ''Curiosity'' ([[Color balance|white balanced image]]) Image:PIA16068 - Mars Curiosity Rover - Aeolis Mons - 20120817.jpg|Aeolis Mons in Gale as viewed by ''Curiosity'' (August 9, 2012) ([[Color balance|white balanced image]]) Image:PIA16134-Mars Curiosity Rover Wheels.jpg|[[Curiosity rover#Specifications|Wheels]] on ''Curiosity'' - Aeolis Mons is in the background ([[Curiosity rover#Mars Hand Lens Imager .28MAHLI.29|MAHLI]], September 9, 2012). Image:PIA16204-MarsCuriosityRover-Rocknest-20120928.jpg|''"[[Rocknest (Mars)|Rocknest]]"'' [[sand|sand patch]] in Gale - between "[[Bradbury Landing]]" and [[Glenelg, Mars|Glenelg]] (September 28, 2012) File:Ripple-marked sandstone offers offer evidence of an ancient sandstorm—and a thicker martian atmosphere.jpg|Ripple-marked sandstone offers evidence of an ancient sandstorm—and a thicker ancient Martian atmosphere </gallery> {{Multiple image |direction=horizontal |align=center |width=250 |image1=PIA16158-Mars Curiosity Rover-Water-AlluvialFan.jpg |image2=PIA16156-Mars Curiosity Rover-Water-AncientStreambed.jpg |image3=PIA16189 fig1-Curiosity Rover-Rock Outcrops-Mars and Earth.jpg |caption1=[[Peace Vallis]] and related [[alluvial fan]] near the ''Curiosity'' landing ellipse and [[Bradbury Landing|landing site]] (noted by +) |caption2="[[Hottah (Mars)|Hottah]]" [[rock outcrop]] on Mars - an ancient [[streambed]] viewed by ''Curiosity'' (September 14, 2012) ([http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/figures/PIA16156_fig1.jpg close-up]) ([https://web.archive.org/web/20130521042719/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/pia16223-stereoHattah-Mastcam-br2.jpg 3-D version]). |caption3="[[Link (Mars)|Link]]" [[outcrop|rock outcrop]] on Mars - compared with a terrestrial [[Conglomerate (geology)#Fluvial|fluvial conglomerate]] - suggesting water "vigorously" flowing in a [[stream]] | footer_align = center |footer=''Curiosity'' on the way to [[Glenelg, Mars|Glenelg]] (September 26, 2012) |header=Evidence of [[water on Mars]] in the crater Gale<ref name="NASA-20120927"/><ref name="NASA-20120927a"/><ref name="AP-20120927"/> }} {{Clear}} {{wide image |PIA16768-MarsCuriosityRover-AeolisMons-20120920.jpg|800px|align-cap=center| ''[[Curiosity (rover)|Curiosity]]''{{'s}} view of "[[Aeolis Mons|Mount Sharp]]" (September 20, 2012; [[Color balance|white balanced]]) ([http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA16769.jpg raw color])}} {{wide image|PIA16918-MarsCuriosityRover-RockNest-HiRezWB-20121116.jpg|800px|align-cap=center| ''Curiosity''{{'s}} view of the "[[Rocknest (Mars)|Rocknest]]" area - south is center/north at both ends; Mount Sharp at SE horizon (somewhat left-of-center); "[[Glenelg, Mars|Glenelg]]" at east (left-of-center); rover tracks at west (right-of-center) (November 16, 2012; [[Color balance|white balanced]]) ([http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA16919 raw color]) ([http://mars.nasa.gov/multimedia/interactives/billionpixel/ interactives])}} {{wide image|PIA16453-MarsCuriosityRover-RocknestPanorama-20121126.jpg|800px|align-cap=center| ''Curiosity''{{'s}} view of Gale's walls from [[Aeolis Palus]] at "[[Rocknest (Mars)|Rocknest]]" looking eastward toward "Point Lake" (center) on the way to "[[Glenelg, Mars|Glenelg Intrigue]]" - Aeolis Mons is on the right (November 26, 2012; [[Color balance|white balanced]]) ([[:File:PIA16453-MarsCuriosityRover-RocknestPanorama-Raw-20121126.jpg|raw color]])}} {{wide image|PIA19912-MarsCuriosityRover-MountSharp-20151002.jpg|800px|align-cap=center|''[[Curiosity (rover)|Curiosity]]''{{'s}} view of "Mount Sharp" (September 9, 2015)}} {{wide image|Martian-Sunset-O-de-Goursac-Curiosity-2013.jpg|800px|align-cap=center|''Curiosity''{{'s}} view of [[Extraterrestrial skies#Mars|Mars sky]] at [[Sunset#Planets|sunset]] (February 2013; Sun simulated by artist)}} {{Clear}}

==See also== {{cmn|colwidth=25em| * [[Astrobiology]] * [[Atmosphere of Mars]] * [[Climate of Mars]] * [[Composition of Mars]] * [[Equatorial Layered Deposits]] * [[Geology of Mars]] * [[Glenelg, Mars]] * [[Groundwater on Mars]] * [[HiRISE]] * [[Impact crater]] * [[Impact event]] * [[Lakes on Mars]] * [[Life on Mars]] * [[List of craters on Mars]] * [[List of mountains on Mars]] * [[List of mountains on Mars by height]] * [[List of rocks on Mars]] * [[List of valles on Mars]] * [[Methane on Mars]] * [[Ore resources on Mars]] * [[Peace Vallis]] * [[Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory]] * [[Water on Mars]] }} {{Clear}}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Gale Crater}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-discovers-a-surprise-in-a-martian-rock |title=NASA's Curiosity Rover Discovers a Surprise in a Martian Rock |publisher=NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) |date=2024-07-18 |access-date=2024-11-10}} * [http://www.google.com/mars/#lat=-5.4&lon=137.7 Google Mars scrollable map] – centered on Gale Crater * [http://www.360pano.eu/show/?id=731 Gale Crater – ''Curiosity'' rover "StreetView" (Sol 2 – 08/08/2012) – NASA/JPL – 360° panorama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819155927/http://www.360pano.eu/show/?id=731 |date=August 19, 2012 }} from 360pano.eu * {{YouTube|qrxvbRA2xCI|Gale Crater – ''Curiosity'' rover Landing Site (July 21, 2012) – Video (02:37)}} * [https://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_002464_1745 Gale Crater – Central Debris Mound] from lpl.arizona.edu * [https://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_001897_1745 Gale Crater – Layers] from lpl.arizona.edu * [https://jmars.mars.asu.edu/maps/gale/gale.html Gale Crater – Image/THEMIS VIS 18m/px Mosaic] from mars.asu.edu (Zoomable) ([https://themis.asu.edu/files/gale_mosaic_1000.png small]) * [https://archive.today/20121210054040/http://hrscview.fu-berlin.de/cgi-bin/ion-p?ION__E1=UPDATE:ion://hrscview2.ion&ION__E2=control:ion://hrscview2.ion&image=7242_0000&image1=4+images&pos=4.915S,+137.328E&scale=1600&viewport=2048x1536&basemap_on=on&basemap=MOLAelevation&labels_on=on&hrsc_on=on&mode=mars&pansharpen=on&src_on=on&pview=North&exag=1&UPDATE=Update+view&image0=7242_0000&code=75963577 Gale Crater – Surroundings] from HRSCview.fu-berlin.de * [https://blogs.esa.int/mex/files/2012/08/Gale_Crater_3d1_H.jpg Gale Crater – 3D version by ESA] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr1Xu2i-Uc0 Video (04:32) – Evidence: Water "Vigorously" Flowed On Mars – September, 2012] * {{YouTube|xq65TVKDZXs|Video (66:00) – Gale Crater History (May 26, 2015)}} * {{YouTube|Q-uAz82sH-E|Video (02:54) – Gale Crater Guide (August 2, 2017)}}

[[Category:Gale (crater)| ]] [[Category:Aeolis quadrangle]] [[Category:Impact craters on Mars]] [[Category:Mars Science Laboratory]] [[Category:Water on Mars]]