The Rover studies Barnacle Bill.
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Image from: NASA/JPL

Barnacle Bill

Barnacle Bill was the first rock to be explored by the Rover. It was found north by northwest of the Mars Pathfinder lander.

Barnacle Bill was a dark rock, which means it is probably of basaltic or andesitic basalt origin. It had many small holes over its surface (vesicles) but otherwise did not appear to be well weathered. These features help scientists figure out the possible origin of Barnacle Bill. Barnacle Bill might possibly have been put in place by flowing water. Rocky outcroppings 30 km away also seem to be made of basalt or andesitic basalt. On the other hand, Barnacle Bill might be left over from the formation of the nearby crater called "Big Crater".


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