What carved this long, winding line on Mars? NASA has the answer

A stunning image captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has unveiled a long and winding trail on the Martian surface, marking the path of Curiosity, NASA's rover. The photograph, taken on February 28, 2025, showcases the rover in action, leaving behind tracks as it heads toward a region believed to reveal signs of ancient groundwater activity. The trail, extending approximately 1,050 feet (320 meters), is expected to remain visible for months before Martian winds gradually erase it. This image, taken from orbit, also marks the first-ever mid-drive photo of Curiosity. The photo offers a rare real-time glimpse of robotic exploration unfolding on another planet.

NASA's Curiosity rover is often seen in images taken from the surface or from space, but this latest photograph is the first to capture the rover while it is actively driving across Mars. The image, taken by the HiRISE camera aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, shows the rover as a small speck in the distance, with a visible trail marking its journey over the terrain. This dynamic image helps scientists track and document the rover’s mobility in unprecedented detail.


The trail left by Curiosity’s wheels is a remarkable feature in the Martian landscape. Spanning over 1,050 feet, the tracks are the result of 11 separate rover drives that began on February 2, 2025. As Curiosity moves at a top speed of 0.1 mph (0.16 kph), these tracks are expected to remain visible for months before the harsh Martian winds gradually erase them. The rover’s journey is a testament to the long-term impact of its exploration on the surface of the Red Planet. Each segment of the trail reflects meticulous planning and careful maneuvering across complex terrain.

Curiosity is heading toward a scientific target believed to hold critical clues about Mars’ past. The rover is en route to a region featuring "boxwork" rock formations, which scientists suspect may have been shaped by ancient groundwater activity billions of years ago. By studying this area, Curiosity’s team hopes to gain a better understanding of Mars’ ancient environment and the possibility of past life on the planet. The findings from this site could reshape our understanding of Mars' capacity to support life.

Mars presents unique challenges for Curiosity's daily operations, particularly with its unpredictable terrain. The rover’s speed and path are determined by a combination of terrain difficulties and pre-planned commands from engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Every day, the rover's movements are meticulously planned to ensure it makes steady progress toward its scientific objectives while dealing with the challenges of Mars' surface. Loose rocks, steep slopes, and dust hazards demand constant vigilance from mission control.


Launched in 2011, Curiosity has been exploring Mars since its landing in 2012. As part of NASA’s broader Mars Exploration Program, the rover has provided invaluable data about the planet's geology, climate, and habitability. This latest image captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter highlights not only the rover's impact on the Martian landscape but also its ongoing role in uncovering the mysteries of Mars, helping to pave the way for future exploration and human missions. Curiosity continues to serve as a pioneering force in humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos.