Posted on 01/30/2014 6:27:08 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: What if a rock that looked like a jelly donut suddenly appeared on Mars? That's just what happened in front of the robotic Opportunity rover currently exploring the red planet. The unexpectedly placed rock, pictured above, was imaged recently by Opportunity after not appearing in other images taken as recently as twelve Martian days (sols) before. Given the intriguing mystery, the leading explanation is somewhat tame -- the rock was recently scattered by one of the rover's tires. Even so, the rock's unusual light tones surrounding a red interior created interest in its composition -- as well as causing it to be nicknamed Jelly Donut. A subsequent chemical analysis showed the rock has twice the abundance of manganese than any other rock yet examined -- an unexpected clue that doesn't yet fit into humanity's understanding of the Martian geologic history. Opportunity, just passing its 10-year anniversary on Mars, continues to explore the Murray Ridge section of the rim of 22-kilometer wide Endeavor Crater.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
There is something in the “before” picture at the same location as the thing in the after picture, with a similar outline. What if the equivalent of a mushroom has popped up? This definitely deserves a closer look.
Yeah, why haven’t they taken a lot of pictures of this rock, aren’t they the least bit curious about it? Seems a little odd to me! Or is there something else going on here!
All
It’s a Marshroom
Looks to be the not so rare bird crap hitting the New Mexico Desert where this is being played out.
I like jelly doughnuts.
It’s an alien scab. I heard they just fall off like that.
I had NO idea there were cops on Mars.
Look up the explanation for “sailing stones” in deserts. Something similar here maybe, but wouldn’t have to be water freezing and thawing, Not sure of the actual temps where this is at on Mars.
Sorry, That should have been Dr and Mrs Nelosn.
Incredible - ten years and still operational. I wonder how many miles it has put on its odometer up there.
Not very many, but it was definitely not expected to last this long.
It’s this guy:
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Rhawn_Joseph
The late Arthur C. Clarke claimed that geological features seen from Martian orbit were “banyan trees”, and that too was nuttery.
Giant Martian Robocops!
We’re Dooooooooooooooooooooommmmeddd!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A fungus ? But is it native to Mars?
Who knows? We know very little about Mars........
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
