Conspiracy theorists can't see the wood for the trees as they spot 'timber plank' on Mars
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:51 PM on 02nd December 2008
An image sent back from the Red Planet has revealed an object bearing an uncanny resemblance to a wooden log. It was captured by the Mars Rover near the Endurance Crater.
The find has excited conspiracy theorists on blogs and websites who claim it is evidence there are vast forests on Mars that have been kept from the public.
It is more likely to be a case of pareidolia - where a random stimulus is perceived as having significance, be it a symbol seen in a cloud or a face on a piece of toast.
Scientists theorize the phenomenon occurs because humans are hardwired to recognise familiar objects as a survival technique.
A picture of what looks like timber (close-up below) has excited conspiracy theorists who claim it is proof there are vast forests on Mars
The unusual image was featured in a NASA press release in 2004, although the space agency made no mention of the timber-like object captured on the spacecraft's 115th day on Mars.
But one website insists it is a leaked image that 'could get someone killed.' A writer from TheCrit.com said NASA's claims Mars was a desert world were 'lies' and that 'there are vast forests on Mars, ones that are kept from the public.'
They go on to speculate the 'wood' was brought to its present position by a flood of water that must have happened within 40 years 'because the wood is intact.'
Tyre marks indicate the Mars Rover drove over the 'plank' in this image
However, the 'plank' has the same shading and a similar linear pattern to the surrounding rock.
Sadly, there is no scientific evidence of any macroscopic plant life on Mars and the vista in the image is one of a vast and desolate desert.
However, NASA scientists have found water ice in the north polar region of Mars as well as alkaline soil - key ingredients to support life.
In these images there is a polygonal pattern on the ground similar in appearance to polygonal structures in icy ground in the arctic regions of Earth.
'We have found what appears to be the requirements, the nutrients, to support life - whether past, present or future,' Sam Kounaves, lead analyst for the Phoenix spacecraft's mission said.
President Bush announced his intention to support a manned mission to Mars back in 2004. A ready supply of water would be essential to the project.
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Oh, so that's where Noah's Arc landed.... Actually that hunk of would is not from Mars. I put it there. Sorry, can't talk about it. Sorry.
I agree with Anthony. Why is it squared off like that? Its obviously an anomaly because there aren’t anymore. I can understand people thinking there’s intelligent craft design behind it. It’s almost symmetrical in the photo. Everyones leaving idle remarks about it but what are the chances of it being weathered like this? Weird.
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Well, all the rocks are flat, like the way slate can lie. You can see on the far right edge where there are striation lines.
My vote is, that a slab of rock broke off, exposing it's striated edge towards us. It would give that grain effect and the shadows and lighting are just exagerating the effect. It would also break off square to give further illusion to it being a plank.
As for the roof of Area51, well, I'd reckon that if they were staging this (and I don't think they are) they'd use steel girders rather than planks salvaged from the wreck of the Mary Rose.
As for woods on mars.....you'll have to excuse me while I step outside to recompose myself, lol.
- His Holy Omnipotence, The Great and Mighty Lord Prophet Zarqwan, Wiltshire, England, 03/12/2008 16:09