IMAGE DETAILS

Mars Report Ref: MIA024

Report date: July-August 2017

Research Status: Open - Possible site of habitation/settlement

Description: Ruins of a Settlement?
Approximate size: 1 km
Mission: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/HiRISE
Location: Mid-latitude southern highlands

Found by: Richard C. Hoagland

Image date: March 2006
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig

Image sources: (1) Image: https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA08014.jpg

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This is a large image and the location is difficult to find, so here's some help...

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OBSERVATIONS

The odd-shaped 'crater' featured in this image as well as the nodular terrain, do not appear to be unique in the original very large image from which this segment is taken (50 x 24 km/ 31 x 15 miles). Similar features have been observed elsewhere on the image (although not yet studied in detail). This suggests the features examined here are either (1) commonly found geology in this region, or (2) commonly found Martian settlements! [Note: To be re-examined at a future date]

​POTENTIAL FOR FORMER SITE OF HABITATION SETTLEMENT

Rectilinear orientation of surface features may indicate former buildings, streets etc. Ground scale would be consistent with a 1 km size village of moderate sized buildings. Comparison with archaeological site at Ashur in Iraq, shows some similar features.

COMMON EXPLANATION

Rocky terrain with small crater.

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