Fractal Geometry in Extra-Terrestrial Images: Discovering Life on Mars?

[tokenman]

Does anyone remember the Nasa image of the 'segmented worm' found on Mars?
I had recently seen a documentary on PBS about fractals in which it was stated that all biology is based on fractals and that if one could establish a fractal pattern in something, then it was certainly biological.
I wrote Nasa several emails asking them whether they had done any such experiments to determine whether or not the 'segmented worm' showed any fractal patterns in it's makeup. I never got any response back.
So I put the question to you:
Can fractal geometry be applied to images of extra-terrestrial objects to determine whether they are biological or not?

 

[Andy Resnick]

Can fractal geometry be applied to images of extra-terrestrial objects to determine whether they are biological or not?

As a definitive test, no.

 

[tokenman]

Thank you for your answer.
I wouldn't take it as proof, but couldn't one eliminate that which is definitely not biological with this test, thus leaving the door open to further experiments?

 

[Monique]

Crystals can also grow in a fractal pattern: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TXW-4RRNXS1-2&_user=10&_coverDate=03%2F17%2F2008&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1389955839&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=284d3c7a76added48cf85e57de2362ad"

There are other examples as well: http://pra.aps.org/abstract/PRA/v35/i9/p4012_1"

Thus the answer to your question is a no, fractal growth does not mean it is biological.

 

[tokenman]

Thank you for your answer. I do think, in reference to the original premise, that one could easily tell the difference between a crystalline substance and a segmented worm which tapers at both ends. Perhaps my question is the problem.
Do you think there would be any merit whatsoever in applying this test to images taken extra-terrestrially?
I promise not to push the question any further after this. :)

 

[D H]

What segmented worm? That is Richard Hoagland nonsense.

 

[zomgwtf]

What segmented worm?

My thoughts precisely.

 

[tokenman]

Not segmented worm, 'segmented worm'. Whatever image we happened to find, we would not confuse it with that of a 'snowflake'.
"Do you think there would be any merit whatsoever in applying this test to images taken extra-terrestrially?"

 

[zomgwtf]

Not segmented worm, 'segmented worm'. Whatever image we happened to find, we would not confuse it with that of a 'snowflake'.
"Do you think there would be any merit whatsoever in applying this test to images taken extra-terrestrially?"

By 'segmented worm' I presume you are talking about the sand dunes which go by a variety of names like 'glass worms' 'glass tubes' etc.. I'm pretty sure itw as concluded they were sanddunes in some sort of narrow crevice.

Anyways.

For your question, yes studying such things can lead to assuming that such a structure was created by a lifeform but it's far from definitive. There are geological activities that can make fractal structures (AFAIK).

 

[Monique]

The question has already been answered.