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MIA017: Box or Casing
MIA017: Box or Casing
IMAGE DETAILS
Mars Report Ref: MIA017
Report date: July-August 2017
Research Status: Open - Possible mechanical artefact
Description: Box or Casing
Approximate size: 13 cm
Mission: Spirit Rover
Location: Gusev Crater
Found by: Maya
Image date: Sol 1419, Dec 2007
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig
Image source:(L) https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/gallery/all/2/p/1419/2P252334537EFFAX00P2260L7M1.HTML
(R) https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/gallery/all/2/p/1419/2P252334537EFFAX00P2260R1M1.HTML
OBSERVATIONS
The cube shape is strong, however the rover appears to have driven over this area, and it's possible that a wheel may have caused a piece of rock to be sheared off, leaving a flat reflective surface. Image SPR-006.1 may also reveal an alternative shape to the object.
POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL OBJECT
Symmetrical cube shape on two sides with an apparent opening to it, suggests a possibly metallic box or casing.
COMMON EXPLANATION
Optical illusion. Shape caused by the rover wheel driving over it.
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MIA017.2 Box or Casing: a second image showing a possible alternative more elongated 'stepped' shape to the purely square cube suggested by the first image - Sol 1419.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
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