Question

after landing on mars in august of 2012, nasas curiosity rover began a detailed exploration of the martian surface. early in its mission, the rover collected data in gale crater that led scientists to make an important discovery about mars. as the curiosity rover traveled through this ancient crater, it recorded special activity. it captured images of rocks that were arranged in ways that suggested past water - related activity. the rounded, smooth rocks showed signs that they had been shaped by water. this means streams or rivers may have once flowed across the martian landscape. the study of rock formations confirmed that water was present on mars at some point. it also suggested that mars might have had environments in the past where life could exist. which is the best summary of the passage? the curiosity rovers photos and recordings included rounded and smoothed rocks in gale crater, an important area on the surface of mars. the rocks arrangement led to questions about their origin. the curiosity rovers mission was to record images from marss asteroid craters, including gale crater. the water - shaped formations recorded by the rover suggest widespread meteoric activity. the curiosity rovers study in gale crater showed rock formations with signs of erosion from ancient water flows. this suggests that marss environment could have been suitable for life.

Explanation:

The passage details NASA's Curiosity rover's exploration on Mars in Gale Crater in 2012. It focuses on rock - formation study which showed signs of past water flow and suggests Mars may have had life - supporting environments in the past. The third option captures these key points.

Answer:

The Curiosity rover's study in Gale Crater showed rock formations with signs of erosion from ancient water flows. This suggests that Mars's environment could have been suitable for life.