NASA好奇号火星车在火星Valle Grande山谷发现了大规模的蜂窝状多边形裂纹地貌[1]。这些多边形每个宽度仅1.5至3英寸（4至8厘米），覆盖了整个可见区域[1]。项目科学家Ashwin Vasavada表示："我们通过好奇号的视角看到过许多迷人的地形，但这片多边形海洋让我们叹为观止"[1]。
好奇号自2012年8月5日登陆火星以来已运行14年[1]。全景图拍摄于第4,930和4,931个火星日（2026年6月19-20日）[1]。科学家正在研究这些图案的成因，可能的解释包括干燥泥土裂纹、温度变化和压力等因素[1]。
根据已有数据，火星古代曾存在湖泊和溪流，好奇号还发现了包括RNA和DNA前驱体在内的有机分子[1]。
NASA's Curiosity rover has identified an extensive field of polygonal honeycomb-patterned surface cracks in the Valle Grande valley on Mars.[1] The distinctive formations, each measuring between 1.5 and 3 inches (4 to 8 centimeters) wide, blanket the visible terrain across the region.[1] Images of the landscape were captured on Mars days 4,930 and 4,931, corresponding to June 19-20, 2026.[1] According to Ashwin Vasavada, the mission's project scientist, "We've seen a lot of fascinating landscapes through Curiosity's eyes, but this sea of polygons took our breath away."[1]
Scientists are investigating the origins of these geometric patterns, with possibilities including dried mud cracks, temperature fluctuations, and subsurface pressure variations.[1] The discovery marks a significant finding for Curiosity, which has been conducting research on Mars for fourteen years since its landing on August 5, 2012.[1] The rover's exploration has previously revealed evidence of ancient lakes and streams on Mars, as well as organic molecules including RNA and DNA precursors.[1]