The fascinating images were beamed back after the vehicle’s second drive around the surface.u00a0They detail a mound of layered rock where scientists plan to focus their search for signs of microbial life.

Distinct tiers can be seen near the base of the three-mile-high Mount Sharp mountain which rises from the Gale Crater.u00a0Project scientist John Grotzinger hailed the images as “spectacular” when they were released yesterday.