Strange Spots on Mars: Space.com

In summary, scientists have discovered unusual geologic features on Mars that have sparked speculation about the possibility of intelligent beings creating them. This is supported by the recent Fortune Cookie photo released by NASA. While some have suggested wind and abrasive particles as a possible explanation, others believe they could be separate objects sitting on the ground. Regardless, this discovery has sparked further interest in Martian geology.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
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"There is no place like Mars for fueling speculation about geologic features that must have been created by intelligent beings. Now scientists bring us the Fortune Cookie photo."

http://www.space.com/imageoftheday/image_of_day_030731.html [Broken]
 
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  • #2
Seems pretty interesting...

do you have any ideas?
 
  • #3
Originally posted by Sourire
Seems pretty interesting...

do you have any ideas?


I go with whatever NASA says. I consider this an issue of Martian geology...just good old fashioned science.:smile:

But what a strange looking photo eh?
 
  • #4
These are not fortune cookies,
they are 3-D Pac-Men. So many of
them seem to be objects separate
from the ground that are sitting
on the ground.

They can't be "dunes". They could
be sculpted by wind and abrasive
particles from something harder
than loose sand: the martian equi-
valent of sandstone.
 

1. What are these strange spots on Mars?

The strange spots on Mars, also known as "recurring slope lineae", are dark streaks that appear to flow down the slopes of the planet's surface during warmer seasons.

2. What causes these strange spots on Mars?

The exact cause of these strange spots is still unknown, but it is believed that they may be caused by the flow of briny water on the surface of Mars.

3. Are these strange spots on Mars evidence of life on the planet?

While the possibility of life on Mars is still being explored, these strange spots are not considered evidence of life. However, the presence of liquid water is a key factor in the potential habitability of the planet.

4. How were these strange spots on Mars discovered?

The strange spots on Mars were first observed by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2011. Researchers have since used high-resolution images and data to study these features in more detail.

5. What does the discovery of these strange spots mean for future missions to Mars?

The discovery of these strange spots on Mars has sparked further interest in the planet and its potential for hosting life. Future missions may focus on studying these spots and searching for other signs of water or life on the planet.

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