A Piece Of Gale Crater’s History

The crater itself is a relic of a large impact event that happened millions of years ago. Its bottom was initially covered by water and wind, and then severe winds cut the silt into the imposing Mount Sharp as the climate dries. Gale Crater is around the size of Rhode Island and Connecticut combined.

The crater was created around 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago when a meteor or asteroid struck Mars. After the impactor struck the ground, it shattered it, sending debris flying into the air. Its possible life may have thrived in Gale Crater for some time if it ever existed there.