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Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

Posted December 12, 2007 11:04 AM

From LiveScience.com:

NASA scientists have discovered what might form some of the weirdest landscapes on Mars, winding channels carved into the Martian surface that scientists have dubbed "spiders," "lace" and "lizard skin." The unusual landscape features form in an area of Mars' south pole called cryptic terrain because it once defied explanation. But new observations from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, presented here today at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union, bolster theories that the intricate patterns may be sculpted by springtime outbursts of carbon dioxide gas from underneath the frozen-carbon dioxide polar ice cap.

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Guru
Popular Science - Weaponology - Scapolie, new member.

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#1

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 6:50 AM

To me they all seem to be radiatig out from a central point, if this true, does the CO2 come from underground at a given point?

Spencer.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 7:53 AM

'does the CO2 come from underground at a given point?'

Probably hauled in on the canal system...

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#3

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 11:30 AM

reminds me of this....here

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 2:56 PM

No too early for the monkey business

I think it is actually quite easily explained.

As it says that the dark rocks heat up, I suppose they also expand.

Together with the pressure of the gas building up from below the ice cap, you could immagine a central force pushing up but as the cap is still solid it tries to move as one piece. As the pressure gets too high it shatters from the center outwards creating these fissures through which the gas escapes.

Would be lovely if you could observe this through a telescope but allas that is not possible due to our atmosphere. Way too much interference.

Mars is nice and clear at the moment for all those interested. Just look between Gemini and Auriga and you cannot miss it.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 3:34 PM

I see. Perhaps this will further clarify.......here

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#6
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Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 4:59 PM

I am ever so sorry Mr Rummel, I thought you meant these!

I therefor wrongly accused you of monkey business. I am sure it will happen again

Yes they do have the same air of mystery about them even though some still think von Daniken had something to do with it.

I personally think these lines are just too straight to be natural. They almost beg to be mathematical in some way. Heck, in nature, even light does not travel straight anymore.

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 5:13 PM

There is a new thread I have posted. Strictly mathematical. Thank you for the inspiration though.

See you there.

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#8
In reply to #7

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/13/2007 5:28 PM

where?

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#9
In reply to #8

Re: Strange Shapes Seen on Mars

12/14/2007 12:00 AM

Look for a string of numbers with 4 sets of opposable thumb prints on them.

Brad

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