IMAGE DETAILS

Mars Report Ref: MIA038

Report date: July-August 2017

Research Status: Open - Possible mechanical artefact

Description: Crank Handle Device
Approximate size: 15 cm
Mission: Curiosity Rover
Location: Gale Crater

Found by: Rami Bar Ilan/Gerald Turner

Image date: Sol 1051, July 2015
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig

Image source: https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01051/mcam/1051MR0046240040104587E01_DXXX.jpg

Second image of object (less detail): https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01049/mcam/1049ML0046190030306063E01_DXXX.jpg

OBSERVATIONS

The resemblance to a crank handle mechanism is very strong.

POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL OBJECT

​Close-up suggests intricate and possibly mechanical details.

COMMON EXPLANATION

An optical illusion caused by perspective, shadows and imagery limits. Odd-shaped rock.

​​​