Now fast-forward to 2013, where in the past few weeks the Curiosity rover has been drilling into some different rocks half a planet away, inside a deep basin formed by the Gale impact crater.

CNN: Have a drink on Mars

Gale improved that, before adding a second-half drop goal, Damien Blanch replying with a late consolation.

BBC: Catalan Dragons 4-11 Harlequins RL

Gale followed lbw three runs later, having completed a solid half-century off 76 balls.

BBC: Somerset hit back through Thomas

It took the gloss off a superb start by Quins, who led after just three minutes when debutant Chris Bailey released Gale with a superb pass and the stand-off raced half the length of the field to touch down.

BBC: Catalan Dragons 4-11 Harlequins RL

Tony Clubb added another try, Luke Gale adding a third conversion before his penalty earned a 20-0 half-time lead.

BBC: St Helens 16-27 Harlequins

It was a magnificent first-half performance that set Quins on their way to a fourth win from their opening five matches, outstanding hooker Andy Ellis combining magnificently with half-backs Luke Gale and Chad Randall.

BBC: St Helens 16-27 Harlequins