Image Gallery: Martian ‘spoons’ and ‘needles’

"Spoon" #1 seen by Curiosity on sol 1089. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
“Spoon” #1 seen by Curiosity on sol 1089. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

Wind-eroded rocks on Mars can take many different forms, sometimes resembling common earthly objects. Some good new examples include these long, thin slivers of rock which look like “spoons” and “needles,” seen by the Curiosity rover recently on sols 1089 and 1087. These fragile formations are easier to form in Mars’ weaker gravity and thinner atmosphere and can last much longer than they would on Earth – a unique form of Martian “artwork.”

"Spoon" #2, not far from the first spoon. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
“Spoon” #2, not far from the first “spoon,” seen by Curiosity on sol 1089. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Original image showing both spoons. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Original image showing both “spoons.” Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
"Needle" #1, seen by Curiosity on sol 1087. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
“Needle” #1, seen by Curiosity on sol 1087. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
"Needle" #2, seen by Curiosity on sol 1087. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
“Needle” #2, seen by Curiosity on sol 1087. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Original image showing both "needles." Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Original image showing both “needles.” Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

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