IMAGE DETAILS

Mars Report Ref: MIA043

Report date: January 2020

Research Status: Open - Possible artificial object

Description: Rusted Rebar
Approximate size: 10-20 cm

Mission: Curiosity Rover
Location: Gale Crater

Found by: Multiple persons, including J. Singer

Image date: Sol 1448, Sep 2016
Image credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS; Neville Thompson/Gigapan MSL 1448 MR W-EDR/PDS

Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig

NASA Image sources:

Sol 1448 RAW IMAGE CATALOGUE: https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw-images

IMAGE SHOWING OBJECT: https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/01448/mcam/1448MR0071670080703021E01_DXXX.jpg

Gigapan Higher Quality Imaging source:  http://gigapan.com/gigapans/218759/

OBSERVATIONS

This object sits on the flat ground just beyond the slope of eroded sediment that has built up beneath a small cliff. Looking remarkably similar to rebar used in concrete construction work, this is the only clear example apparent in this NASA image. Although there are what could be similar fragments elsewhere, partially buried.

POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL STRUCTURE

The similarity to concrete rebar is strong, which could indicate a site where ancient buildings once stood but which met with obliteration.

COMMON EXPLANATION

This is geological and could be the remains of what was formerly veins of hard material encased in softer sediment that has since been eroded away.

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