One of the most recent images returned from Mars’ Curiosity rover reveals an intriguing structure in the rocks: what appears to be a neatly carved out gateway nestled in the Martian landscape.
We’re nearly inclined to believe that the gateway doppelgänger leads to a Martinian refuge or a portal to another Universe completely. This is also giving us ‘tunnel to the center of the globe’ vibes.
At the very least, the image and the geological structure it depicts appear to be enough to inspire at least one science-fiction film.
What Do Netizens Have To Say About This?
The considerably more rational individuals on Reddit, on the other hand, have suggested that this is most likely a shear fracture: the consequence of some form of tension on the rock ripping part of it off, possibly aided by a marsquake or two.
Indeed, the greatest tremble ever recorded on Mars occurred on May 4 of this year, and scientists are still trying to figure out where it occurred and what caused it.
Read: ESA’s Mars Express Latest Images Reveals ‘Claw Marks’ on Martian Surface
What Is The Reason For This Rock Formation?
Furthermore, while the door-like rock formation may appear to be life-size in our imaginations, the cavity visible in real life could be only a few centimeters or inches tall, though it’s difficult to tell from the photo.
A larger, colorized version of the original image may be found here. The doorway shape may be found near the top of the composite image, just to the left of center.
When Was This Photograph Captured?
On 7 May 2022, the Mast Camera on board Curiosity captured this photograph near a geological formation known as Greenhaugh Pediment.
Some Other Strange Images From Mars?
We’ve been treated to some very bizarre and fascinating images of Mars in the years that we’ve had access to close-ups of the red planet from landers and orbiters: craters filled with ice, strange chevron-shaped rock formations, hollowed-out mountains, and plenty more.
Should We Consider This An Illusion?
It’s vital not to get too carried away with what hazy photographs might sometimes reveal when it comes to scary discoveries in space that look to mimic ‘alien’ buildings. Even China’s Yutu 2 rover spotted a bizarre, cube-shaped object on the Moon last year. After further study, it was discovered that the ‘alien home’ was simply another rock, with the cuboid shape created by light and perspective manipulations.
Similarly, we suspect that this mysterious doorway will eventually have an ordinary explanation, but in the meantime we’re having a lot of fun speculating.
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