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MIA012: Tool Wrench
MIA012: Tool Wrench
IMAGE DETAILS
Mars Report Ref: MIA012
Report date: July-August 2017
Research Status: Open - Possible machined artefact
Description: Tool Wrench
Approximate size: 20 cm
Mission: Spirit Rover
Location: Gusev Crater
Found by: Rolf Varga
Image date: Sol 527, June 2005
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig
Image source: https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/gallery/all/2/p/527/2P173156766EFFACA0P2440L7M1.HTML
OBSERVATIONS
This wrench/spanner-like object has a clearly defined artificial, manufactured look about it. Imaged first on Sol 527, further pictures of it appeared on Sols 540 and 541 at a slightly different angle, offering an analytical perspective as to its true structure (see images below).
POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL OBJECT
Distinct angular and machined appearance. Significantly different character in appearance to the other local rocks surrounding it. It also lays close to several other unusual shaped objects, suggesting the possibility that the object is possibly just one piece of a pile of technological debris.
COMMON EXPLANATION
A ventifact (a piece of rock shaped by the erosive action of wind-blown sand).
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MIA012.2 Tool Wrench: close-up - Sol 527
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
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MIA012.4 Tool Wrench: from colour panorama PIA04182.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Image source: http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/pia04182
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MIA012.1 Tool Wrench: laying amongst a varied assortment of odd shaped objects, rather than a consistent variety of rocks and rubble.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Image source: https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/gallery/all/2/p/527/2P173156766EFFACA0P2440L7M1.HTML
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MIA012.3 Tool wrench: from a distance - from colour panorama PIA04182.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Image source: http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/pia04182
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MIA012.5 Tool Wrench: Moving sequence revealing structural perspective.
Image credits: NASA/JPL/Cornell
GIF sequence: M. J. Craig
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