Scientists conducted an experiment on Mars to study how the wheels of a rover wear down over time. They attached special metal films to one of the rover's wheels and monitored changes in reflectivity as it rolled on the Martian soil. The experiment showed that the Martian dust can cause electrostatic charging, attracting dust particles smaller than 40 microns. Despite some challenges with dust accumulation, the experiment successfully detected abrasion on the wheel, providing valuable insights into the Martian surface and erosion processes.