Posted on 03/09/2022 3:53:28 PM PST by MtnClimber
Explanation: It is one of the more unusual rocks yet found on Mars. Smaller than a penny, the rock has several appendages that make it look, to some, like a flower. Although it would be a major discovery if the rock was truly a fossilized ancient Martian flower, there are less spectacular -- and currently preferred -- explanations for its unusual structure. One theory that has emerged is that the rock is a type of concretion created by minerals deposited by water in cracks or divisions in existing rock. These concretions can be compacted together, can be harder and denser than surrounding rock, and can remain even after the surrounding rock erodes away. The flower structure may also be caused by crystal clusters. The small rock, named Blackthorn Salt, has similarities to previously imaged Martian pebbles. The featured image was taken by the Curiosity rover on Mars in late February. Scientists will continue to study data and images taken of this -- and similar -- surprising Martian rocks.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
Two cat links today...
I find the horseshoe crab next to it more insteresting.
Looks more like a weathered piece of coral or what you find in your cat box with the new clumping cat litter.
Run!
Run!
Get out of there!
Get out of there!
And the litter box in the photo.
Speaking as a retired geologist, the ones on the right look like poorly formed desert roses.
I’m guessing the flower sample is the same chemical formula and shaped like that due to gravity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_rose_(crystal).
Day of the Triffids.
This is a marsstalactite
Coral from a long gone ancient sea.
At least on Oak Island they found an old boot that might have belonged to FDR.
I hear Mars soil makes great kitty litter.
This is what happens when you pee at -100°F.....................
I have never been at -100F, but it is what happens at -30F!
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