Cape York (Mars)

Cape York is a segment of the western rim of Endeavour Crater on Mars. It is part of the larger feature known as Murray Ridge, which forms the western edge of the crater. This region was explored extensively by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity between 2011 and 2013.

Opportunity discovered evidence of hydrated minerals, specifically clay minerals (phyllosilicates), within Cape York. This discovery provided significant support for the idea that Mars once had a more neutral, water-rich environment, potentially habitable, in its past. These minerals are believed to have formed during a period of sustained water interaction with the Martian crust.

Specifically, Opportunity's instruments detected the presence of smectite clay minerals, notably near a rock outcrop named "Whitewater Lake". The presence of these clays provided strong evidence for past aqueous activity at Endeavour Crater.

Opportunity's traverse across Cape York allowed scientists to study the stratigraphy of the region, revealing details about the geological history of the area and the processes that shaped it over billions of years. The rover's findings at Cape York significantly enhanced our understanding of the ancient Martian environment and its potential for supporting past life.