Posted on 07/21/2026 12:37:38 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: Is this a fossilized turtle on Mars? No. Although resembling a large Earth tortoise, this is a layered rock outcrop on Mars that is estimated to span about 15 meters, making it much larger than turtles on Earth. NASA’s robotic Curiosity rover came across this unusual mound, dubbed Miraflores, last month during its 4922nd Martian day exploring Mars. The small butte may survive because it was somehow more resistant to erosion than surrounding rock. More recent wind has now covered its top with orange Martian sand. Below the top shell, many layers of stratified rock are visible, possibly indicating a long history of intermittent wind-blown sand being deposited and then hardened by ground water. Similar wind-eroded layered landforms, such as yardangs in the Qaidam Desert of China, exist here on Earth. Curiosity and its companion rover Perseverance continue to investigate the ancient history of Mars as well as searching for signs of primeval life.
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McConnell has never looked better. Heh.
Cool.
Mitch McConnell has cousins there, so there’s that.
I guess it looks like a turtle. One that looks like it got run over on the interstate, but a turtle.
I don’t think Mitch has put on enough weight to span 15 meters...
FWIW, the largest turtles ever on earth were the Archelon: They are though to possibly have reached 4.6 meters length and weighing over 2 tons. (I’m not sure if that length is the shell, or includes the head, neck, and tail.)
“It’s a sand vorm, Usul!”
Jabba the Rokk
SpyNavy
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
Looks like the local off-roaders have been busy in the background.
That's the remains of Gamera.
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