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Jezero Crater

Jezero Crater is a 45-kilometer-wide impact crater on Mars that once hosted a lake and river delta, making it a prime site for studying ancient Martian habitability. Located in the Syrtis Major quadrangle near the edge of the Isidis basin, Jezero Crater was formed by a meteor impact billions of years ago. Geological evidence suggests that it was once filled with water, fed by rivers that created a fan-shaped delta rich in clay minerals—materials that typically form in the presence of water. This ancient lake environment makes Jezero a compelling target for astrobiology. NASA selected it as the landing site for the Perseverance rover, which touched down there on February 18, 2021. The rover is exploring the crater to search for signs of past microbial life, collect rock and soil samples, and test technologies for future human missions. Recent studies indicate that Jezero experienced multiple periods of water activity, transitioning from hot and acidic conditions to cooler, more habitable ones over time. These findings enhance its significance as a window into Mars’ watery past and its potential to have supported life.