Martian Soil in 3-D

NASA - JPL ^ | 1-16-04 | NASA

[Phil V.]

This image taken by the microscopic imager on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows the powdery soil of Mars in 3-D. It is the sharpest look yet at the surface of another planet. The microscopic imager is located on the rover's instrument deployment device, or "arm." . . .

This close-up look at a patch of martian soil is the sharpest image ever taken of another planet. The picture was captured by the microscopic imager located on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's instrument deployment device, or "arm." Scientists liken the alien soil to clumpy cocoa powder. The upper left corner of the soil patch is illuminated by direct sunlight and thus appears brighter. The actual size of the patch is about 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across.

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[cyborg]

I think the spirit explorer will have to stay there till we make up our minds to actually get up and go.

[razorback-bert]

Broken lava lamps.

[Democratshavenobrains]

I think I know why Mars is so barren now. A million years ago, their version of the Democrat Party elected a Howard Dean-type who promptly surrended the planet to Neptunian suicide bombers.

[Kirkwood]

I saw the same illusion. Like mouse paw prints.

[ThanhPhero]

If you look at that first one and focus beyond it you will sê a herd of unicorns.

[Lady Jag]

With the red and blue glasses it looks like wet clumpy beach sand.

[Kevin Curry]

They need to get a probe closer to the mountains which are breathtaking.

What landforms are these? Mars lacks the mechanism of plate tectonics, which, strictly speaking, means there are no mountain ranges or chains on Mars. There are elevated areas, cliffs, escarpments and the like, as well as isolated volcanoes (e.g., Mons Olympus) but mountain ranges after the fashion of the Rockies, Alps, Andes, and Himalayas, are non-existent.

[DoctorMichael]

Bump for later, when my 3D glasses arrive.

[Phil V.]

Broken lava lamps.

Deb does get excited sometimes. . .

[Phil V.]

What landforms are these?

Impact ridges (crater rims) . . . or, perhaps, nuclear test sites.

[steve86]

Like mouse paw prints.

That is crazy, especially with the "prints" side-by-side. Like a Martian gerbil springing off its hind legs.

[RightWhale]

It's hoar frost with talcum-powder or other fines stuck to it.

[Phil V.]

Whore frost? . . . talcum powder? . . .

. . . and Bush?

[NYTexan]

Looks like a good day at a lake Erie beach.
you don't want to see what a hot N' nasty day looks or smells like!

[gonzo]

OK, Phil. Please put me on your Mars-Bars list, but I prefer Nestles Crunch.

How's the cat?..............FRegards

[Phil V.]

Hey! Gonzo, ol' pal!!!
Dig through yer ol stuff an' see if you can find grandpa's ol' stereoscope. I have one. If you can get one then look at these side-by-side stereo pics . . . at least three different "plateaus".

[Grut]

Look at the white rock in the lower left. Do you suppose it will be a carbonate?

Nice try, but whoever photoshopped it forgot to put a shadow beside it.

[HP8753]

Static Electricity ???

[Petronski]

I knew a guy in college who had whore frost, he solved the problem with some ointment.

[cricket]

"What is interesting about these images when viewed in 3D is how they resemble "frost heave" soil. The soil is "stacked" so to speak . . . vertical "mini towers". Something is binding the particles together. "

Well that is interesting!

I was thinking more along the lines of a Dalton Carpet display. . .