The Curiosity rover is in a place with a lot of geological diversity, as becomes more apparent the longer the mission continues. Sometimes, as we’ve seen already a few times, something will be noticed in the images that makes one ask, “what’s that?”
Here is the latest one, from sol 173, which is causing a bit of discussion again. Near the top of the image above is what looks like a small pedestal-shape sticking out of the rock, with two “shiny bits” on top. The top part is kind of hammerhead-shaped, which can also be seen in the shadow on the rock.
The shape itself is interesting (an eroded protrusion?), but what are the bright things? Are they the same as other bright mineral spots and veins seen elsewhere which are thought to be gypsum, or something else? Perhaps this is similar to the other shiny-looking “flower” seen previously, except that this one is protruding out more? Hopefully some closer images, preferably MAHLI, can be taken of this new “curiosity”…
All of these posts, keep us very interested !!
Looks like a black foot sticking out of the rock layer. Foot upside down,toes pointing towards upper right corner. Maybe a stature of a Martian?
I second that 🙂
Looks like obsidian.
Fascinating. The following is not so fascinating, but you get a chuckle out of it. http://youtu.be/QkqS7zXsE08
a little dinosaur, sticking its head out of the soil