Specifically, the weird rock appeared near the Mars Rover ‘Opportunity’, which has been exploring the red planet since 2004.

NASA scientists were baffled when they compared two photos of the same location, one taken on 26 December 2013, and one taken on 8 January 2014.

The rover ‘Opportunity’ has spent a decade on Mars attempting to find signs of past or present water. The rover ‘Curiosity’ is currently on the other side of the planet, equipped with much better technology and in search of much finer details.

But who needs the fine chemical details of age-old Martian rock, when you have a seemingly mobile rock?

On January 8, while preparing to use its robotic arm for a spot of investigation, Opportunity sent back a picture of its work area. Scientists recognised the spot as one where the rover had been before – but the white rock was a surprise.

They suspect that either the rock was flipped over by one of the rover’s wheels, or it was deposited there after a recent meteorite landing.

It could also have been a harmlessly sadistic martian who enjoys playing mind games.

[Source : Sydney Morning Herald]