IMAGE DETAILS

Mars Report Ref: MIA031

Report date: July-August 2017

Research Status: Open - Possible mechanical artefact

Description: Door Bolt
Approximate size: 5 cm
Mission: Curiosity Rover
Location: Gale Crater

Found by: Michael Ivey

Image date: Sol 440, Nov 2013
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig

Image source: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/00440/mcam/0440MR1795005000E2_DXXX.jpg

OBSERVATIONS

This one still challenges my credulity (and sanity!). In fact, it may be a perfect example of how our visual senses can be completely fooled by a very convincing optical illusion. But then again, what if...

​POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL OBJECT

​This very small rectangular "object" is set in a recess, parallel to the rock - as if it had been carved out to accommodate it even. It has a completely different texture to the rock next to it and appears to have a raised tubular section running through the centre. Very baffling, but the likeness to a "door bolt" is striking.

COMMON EXPLANATION

An optical illusion caused by the limits of the image resolution. Perhaps a depression in the soil has contributed and the angular shape of the large rock next to it has attracted a build up of material. Opinions most welcome!

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