Among the shallow sands and rocks of the Gale Crater – Mars emerged several twisted stone towers – sedimentary spikes that sheet Science Alert described as “almost like streams of frozen water pouring out of an invisible vessel in the sky”.
The structure, which doesn’t look natural at all, is quite similar to sculpted dancing dolls, so there’s no precedent on Mars or any other planet. But NASA assert, again, that it is not evidence of Martian civilization.
A unique photo has just been posted by SETI Institute – Photo: TWITTER
Experts suggest that the bizarre rock columns may have been created from a cement-like substance that once filled in ancient cracks in the rock that underlies the planet’s crust. As the softer rock layer gradually eroded away, the solid streams remained standing.
“These concrete blocks can be compacted together, can be harder and denser than the surrounding rock, and can persist even after the surrounding rock has eroded away,” explains NASA.
Expedition ship Curiosity – NASA’s famous robot-like rover – took the picture on May 17, but the image has only been shared by NASA and experts at the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) institute. shall.
In Earth’s geology, structures that form the same pattern will take the form of a tall and thin block of rock, called by mysterious dark names such as “fairy chimney”, “earth pyramid”.
The two rock towers on Mars look much more fragile than what we see on Earth, but they’re clearly solid enough to withstand the lighter surface gravity on the red planet.
“Another theory is that rock is a form of concrete made of minerals caused by water deposited in cracks or divisions in existing rock,” the NASA press release added.
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