Object in Phoenix Lander gets scientists’ attention
posted at 12:45 pm on May 28, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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On Monday, I pointed out a strange feature on the image of Mars’ horizon in the first pictures to get sent back to Earth from the Mars Phoenix Lander. Some dismissed it as an anomaly in the digital photography, but it has appeared on several pictures now. The unusual shape has some researchers very curious:
Here is the picture from Monday:
It’s almost certainly a rock, but Mars doesn’t have many with that luminosity and that shape. Everything else in the view of Phoenix looks dust-covered and relatively small. Its unusual appearance makes it stand out from everything else in the rather bleak landscape.
So what do you think it is? A message from Future Mars? Or a portal to Past Mars? Or just a cool-looking rock that will eventually get used by Hollywood for even less-intelligent fare?
Update: John discovers what the object is, and is thankful that there are snacks on Mars.
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The Earth was hit by a large body and wiped out most of the life here. Or are you a 6000 year old earth type?
Right, you prove my point. When there is error, people die. The fact that something as complicated and large as the Saturn V had such a success rate is phenomenal and a tribute to what Americans can do when we have a clear goal and can work unfettered.
That was pretty snarky. Do you think it was a piece of cake, simple? Pardon me if I am awed by human achievement.
Jackanape = ape/monkey.
One of the things that separates us from our primate relatives is that we aren’t content to simply exist, but to thrive and improve our environment. Lacking a desire to explore new frontiers makes me think of the banal existence of most creatures on this planet that are content to find food, find mates and just survive. We didn’t get out of the caves and evolve just so we could say “ho hum” until we have a ‘Falling Down’ moment.
I thought we weren’t allowed to explore our amateur knowledge of non-mainstream subjects here?
Do you deny that NASA and space exploration have resulted in technology that has improved your life?
Kristopher, well said. You’re spot on. This world will never be perfect; it is populated by imperfect creatures. Waiting for some utopian situation to evolve before we push on and explore our galaxy is like waiting for Godot. It won’t come.
linlithgow on May 28, 2008 at 6:58 PM
An old SUV gas station.
Johan Klaus on May 28, 2008 at 6:58 PM
You just go sit quietly under your rock with your eyes tightly closed. The adults will carry on with the advancement of science and our understanding of the Universe we live in.
KSgop on May 28, 2008 at 6:58 PM
That’s an awesome photo, Mike – and I think you’re right, just the idea that it was taken on another planet, but looks pretty earthly, is amazing. I felt the same way about the first pictures of the Martian horizon taken by Spirit and Opportunity.
I guess if we get Prez Obama the next vehicles will be Hope and Change.
Rosmerta on May 28, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Best space shot ever, though – the pale blue dot that was Earth, as shot by Voyager 1 from beyond the solar system. I first saw it in Parade magazine back in 1991 or so, and it brought tears to my eyes. It was us… but so small and infinitely precious.
As Chesterton said in 1908 – before Kitty Hawk, let alone Apollo – “The fancy that the cosmos was not vast and void, but small and cosy, had a fulfilled significance now, for anything that is a work of art must be small in the sight of the artist; to God the stars might be only small and dear, like diamonds.”
In fact, I cut that photo out of Parade, wrote that quote on the back, and put it in my wallet, where it’s been ever since.
Rosmerta on May 28, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Its Tommy Lee Jones from Space Cowboys.
Speakup on May 28, 2008 at 7:16 PM
It’s probably Spock’s pod from planet Genesis.
viking01 on May 28, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Thanks! I am a genius, looks like I win the thread, yes?
I don’t follow?
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Who said I’m against science?
Unless you read my messages as they are without imagining things, then you don’t need to type rubbish.
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 7:33 PM
It’s that silver foot that dead Richard’s chick referred to G.H. Bush as having.
SouthernGent on May 28, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Indy, I skimmed the thread and read a few of your messages and those of people responding to you, and have to come down on your side (most of the time). While I do think NASA has done a lot of great things, and I’m not in the same “toss the space program” crowd that you are, you’re right on a lot of what you’ve said.
For starters, I agree with you that there are no Aliens, etc. (though I have seen at least one UFO, I’m pretty sure it was just some military project)
Now, one of our friends here is the perfect example of what is wrong with “science” and science reporting. In reality, it’s the “science community” CONSTANTLY observing some tiny thing, creating a whole fairytale of a story around it, and then saying that this fiction is “science” and we have to swallow it because they are “the scientists” (see: global warming “science”, evolution “science”, etc.)
Anyway, for the example:
There are millions of Americans, and I’m sure people worldwide who actually believe this nonsense… and you can’t actually blame them, because this is what “scientists” and the mainstream media have led them to believe. Do you know what we really “recently discovered”? A wobble. A wobble that scientists interpret as probably being a planet. Then they made giant assumptions after looking at its distance from its star, its size and the star’s size, etc. etc. and said it could be like Earth. Though there is ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THIS. They could write this same story all over the universe. Nothing is said about gravity, wind, water, oxygen, etc. etc. etc. But that didn’t stop people from throwing up artistic renderings of “what it might look like” to attach to articles seen all over the world. Again, all because of A FREAKING WOBBLE!!!
Sorry, but that, along with all the other false “evidence of water on Mars” stories really irritate me, because otherwise intelligent people buy in to that nonsense. All I ask is that you think critically and with a “show me the money” mindset when reading about such things.
Once more, I have to brag though, I win this thread for realizing that the “white thing” in this image is simply the parachute (or more precisely, the supporting back shell attached to it).
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
It’s the LePetomane Thru-Way. Somebody has to go back and get a sh!tload of dimes.
Kevin71 on May 28, 2008 at 7:56 PM
“I can see my house from here! Okay guys, you can just drop me off right over there.”
– Dennis Kucinich
Knuckledragger on May 28, 2008 at 8:01 PM
It’s a sign that says “North Pole” in Old Martian.
Very Old Martian.
profitsbeard on May 28, 2008 at 8:11 PM
wheel the picture taking thingy closer to it!
Flarking weak zoom. My father always told me, the best zoom lense is your feet.
Capitana on May 28, 2008 at 8:28 PM
First common sense I’ve heard all day!
RushBaby on May 28, 2008 at 8:40 PM
LePetomane Thru-Way
I just sprayed half a bottle of Heineken on the keyboard.
i b squidly on May 28, 2008 at 8:40 PM
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
There may not be liquid water, but there is ice.
The Valles Marineris could have been formed by liquid water (some people say tectonic activity); so Mars could have had an atmosphere at one point.
We learn new things every year from our missions (like Enceladus’ plumes). It’s exciting stuff.
linlithgow on May 28, 2008 at 8:43 PM
It’s Mike Gravel. He’s getting ready to walk toward the camera and do something boring.
29Victor on May 28, 2008 at 8:47 PM
And your point is?
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 8:52 PM
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
At least one extrasolar planet has been directly observed. You’re right that most planets are inferred from perturbations in the movement of stars (”wobbles”). The “wobble” can be measured several ways, so that scientists are confident that the wobble is not just an observational error. Scientists can measure it very exactly, and have observed the same orbital perturbation in our sun (guess what causes it in our solar system?). So my question is, if not planets, what do you propose is causing these stars to wobble?
RightOFLeft on May 28, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Forgot to link to the directly observed extrasolar planet -
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6864
RightOFLeft on May 28, 2008 at 9:23 PM
You missed my point… I was responding to:
Which was ridiculous nonsense pushed by the “science community”, based on very little, yet people felt the need to paint this image of this planet that would look very much like Earth… when nothing actually suggested that. It’s the same as numbskulls who suggest that the very potential for the existence of water on another planet instantly means we’re on the verge of discovering life. It’s, for lack of a better word, a retarded assertion.
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 9:44 PM
oh my
serenity on May 28, 2008 at 10:03 PM
RightWinged:
Is what you said about extra-solar planets. You were wrong. Nobody “missed your point,” you were just wrong.
It has ice caps (well, “an” ice cap at the moment, because of all that AMW). That’s pretty good evidence, unless you think they’re made of cotton candy.
And isn’t saying “there are no aliens” based on no evidence just as silly as saying “there are aliens” based on no evidence? How ’bout that old standby, “I don’t know?”
I understand people have a hard time saying that, for some reason.
Merovign on May 28, 2008 at 10:04 PM
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 9:44 PM
The planet in question –
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/070424_hab_exoplanet.html
It’s size and and orbital distance are relatively straightforward calculations based on the wobble of the parent sun. There’s a lot of speculation from there, but none if it is unreasonable.
The planet is in the “habitable zone” where liquid water and an atmosphere are possible. The media sort of sensationalized it, giving the impression that scientists had found evidence of water on another planet, which isn’t strictly true.
You make it sound like the scientists are doing something wrong. They’re not. They’re making observations, drawing inferences to form models, and now they’re looking for a way to find evidence to support the models. This is how science has always been done.
RightOFLeft on May 28, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Again, I don’t oppose scientific research done to benefit people, but to go in the void after an illusion is nonsense.
A program designed to explore space for no purpose except curiosity is a waste of money, time and energy that ought to be used for useful projects to better people’s standard of life here on Earth.
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 10:11 PM
MARTIAN METAL! ( from earth)
It’s probably a piece from one of the 50% plus failed mars landers/rovers/satellites missions.
.
How many were there? 8 to 10 crashed attempts?
.
Japan had a shiny one, maybe its part of their satellite…
shooter on May 28, 2008 at 10:12 PM
The Sword Of Damocles….dropped!
Coronagold on May 28, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Algore has been there.
It is a global warming thermometer.
shooter on May 28, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Curiosity brings discovery.
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 10:25 PM
It’s Veger. He’s on his way back to Earth and ready for Change.
29Victor on May 28, 2008 at 10:25 PM
shooter on May 28, 2008 at 10:20 PM
lol!
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 10:27 PM
If discovery is useful for advancing Humans’ standard of living so be it. But don’t go outer space and spend billions of Dollars on nothing useful.
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 10:29 PM
teflon
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 10:32 PM
tombstone of Jimmy Hoffa
colep on May 28, 2008 at 10:48 PM
colep on May 28, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Now that’s just silly.
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Hey Indy,
I’ve read many of your comments on many threads…most times you have a VERY valid point of view, almost invariable. We could argue the pros and cons all night long but if we didn’t explore….you may have been born in Bulgaria…or not at all.
Not that I have anything against Bulgaria….but I hope you get my drift.
It is our nature to explore and when something useful comes of it besides KNOWLEDGE, we benefit double… and more. It IS expediential.
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Medical Imaging (Processing spacecraft images/signals)…Vision Screening (Processing images)
Nope. Nothing useful from these types of missions at all.
KSgop on May 28, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I don’t have a problem saying that. However many of the people who are so certain that “there must be aliens” are quick to dismiss the very possibility of God. At least us believers can point to evidence (whether you agree with it or not) that God exists. The idea that aliens exist is completely wild speculation, nothing more. I don’t say there aren’t any. But there isn’t a shred of evidence to suggest there is. I do say “I don’t know”, but as it stands, I don’t believe there are.
No, I was responding to a specific comment, and you dishonestly chose to take my reply to it out of context. My point is, the reporting and what scientists are reporting is dishonest. “Earth-like” is BS, and you know it. Show me a satellite image of some lakes and mountains and plants, etc. etc. etc. and then we can begin to talk about “Earth-like”. A wobble doesn’t = “Earth-like”, just like the potential of something that has a slight chance of suggesting water doesn’t = life. Sorry, I just prefer honest science and reporting of science.
I needn’t look any further than your friend RightofLeft’s last link… look at the first few paragraphs:
Do you not see what is wrong with calling this planet “Earth-like”? Do you not see how inaccurate that is? And then to talk about how it is a milestone in the search for ET life? WTF!? You didn’t even find evidence of water!!! You found a planet that, in theory (based on many many many assumptions) might be able to support water. Suddenly this is an “Earth-like” planet and a milestone in finding ET life? Honestly, how can you not see what is wrong with this?
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I would rather fund NASA then the food stamp program. I would rather fund NASA then the global warming scientists, I would rather fund NASA then have foreign aid. I would rather fund NASA they pay for the Congress critters cars, insurance and gas. I would rather Fund NASA then enjot pork barrel spending.
I would rather fund NASA then pay farmers NOT to grow food.
unseen on May 28, 2008 at 11:10 PM
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Unlike others and much like the pope I happen to think that there is a good chance of both UFO’s and God. One is based on faith and evidence, the other is based on logic.
unseen on May 28, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Correct if I’m wrong but didn’t the Vatican just recently say that it does NOT go against Catholic tenets to believe in ALIENS FROM ….
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Agreed!!!!! and more. lol!! Indy, Are reading?
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 11:19 PM
The pics are awesome.
If Obama wins, I’m moving to Mars.
jgapinoy on May 28, 2008 at 11:20 PM
jgapinoy on May 28, 2008 at 11:20 PM
All aboard!! Mars station …next stop….
wait… you’re not talking about anything like that group who drank koolaid are you…..
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Perhaps we should ask the peeps at Cydonia what the the thingee in the pic is?
;)
aikidoka on May 28, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Whatever it is, it’s Bush’s fault.
And I question the timing of this photograph.
lorien1973 on May 28, 2008 at 11:33 PM
lorien1973 on May 28, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Or a target for DC?
jerrytbg on May 28, 2008 at 11:37 PM
I’m sure McClellan will reveal his inside knowledge about that in his next book.
aikidoka on May 28, 2008 at 11:38 PM
RightWinged:
So you DISHONESTLY link me to someone else’s link and call me dishonest because you think some third party is making things up?
You know, people used to care about false accusations, unlike you. I didn’t remove any context from your comment, you made an absolute statement, subtly hinted at by the use of the word “absolutely.”
Note that you removed your ABSOLUTE statement, thus removing the context from my response. You know, doing PRECISELY what you accused me of. Falsely.
Here’s a hint for you, despite what some high-school journalist might think, when describing planets, VENUS and MARS are “Earth-Like” because they’re ROCKY, and Saturn is JUPITER-LIKE because it’s a GAS GIANT.
So the ROCKY planet found is EARTH-LIKE and not JUPITER-LIKE because it’s not a GAS GIANT.
It’s natural that the first planets found would be gas giants, because they’re REALLY, REALLY BIG. So, you know, easier to detect when they’re far away.
You have half a point about scientists (and especially journalists) who make crap up, unfortunately you frame it with bad debate tactics.
Merovign on May 28, 2008 at 11:54 PM
It would be fun to see what would happen if the aleins came and took our leaders hostage. Would we ask for them back? Or would we ask them to keep them? How much would you ask/beg?
unseen on May 29, 2008 at 12:00 AM
PM
Well, did not scientist claim that a rock found on earth came from Mars?
Johan Klaus on May 29, 2008 at 12:05 AM
“Earth-like” is a pretty broad description. I don’t see why that offends you so badly. The planet is roughly our size (on a planetary scale) and occupies an orbit that makes it receive about as much solar energy as Earth. Nobody is claiming to have discovered extrasolar life; only the conditions that might allow it. And yeah, that’s a milestone in the search for extraterrestrial life. It gives us a place to start looking, and supports the idea that planets are fairly common in the universe and a few of them share important characteristics with Earth.
RightOFLeft on May 29, 2008 at 12:08 AM
I don’t know what to make of the Vatican’s point of view.
I am Catholic and I don’t think I see eye to eye with the Vatican on this one.
Indy Conservative on May 29, 2008 at 12:09 AM
What are you talking about, and what does it have to do with anything?
RightOFLeft on May 29, 2008 at 12:10 AM
ba
Maybe the claim by the scientist was a little bit of a stretch.
Johan Klaus on May 29, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Again, we need to improve our Earth, our relationships, our infrastructures, our way of life and ourselves before going further and looking for the unknown.
We can’t advance in any field without examining, exploring and bettering our current status.
Science can be useful if we use it wisely to improve life on Earth, but we don’t need to explore space. We already did, it was fun. It should be over.
God provided everything for us here on Earth.
We have everything, yet we are not satisfied. We are blind.
Curiosity killed the cat.
Indy Conservative on May 29, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Sorry, I’m buzzin’ a bit right now, so I’m having trouble telling if there is sarcasm towards me there or not. So, not knowing what you mean (in your response to me), for what it’s worth, I don’t give two sh**s what the Vatican says. I’m not Catholic, and I would hope any Catholic that truly feels that they are Christian would at the very least question anything the Vatican has to say.
Eh-hem, I said:
To which you responded:
While you may think certain things make a planet “Earth-like”, I clearly do not. Proximity to a star, etc. don’t really cut it for me, which I clearly explained. So I laid out water, etc. As you’ll recall, “Earth’s Twin” was the headline/quote used all over the media the day that news came out. Everyone was led to believe that we’d discovered some planet that we could live on in the future because it was just like ours, etc. etc. When in reality, we know NOTHING about the physical characteristics of this place. Once again, I was responding to a specific comment, and you (whether intentionally or not) ignored that.
Did I ever say that anyone claimed they had discovered it? No! I said it was silly to call it a “milestone” in the search, considering that we know very little about this planet (assuming it is one – again, something I’m not even trying to argue). My point is, you’re claiming its a milestone in the search for something for which we have no evidence exists, on a place we know virtually nothing about.
Come on you guys, at least admit the reporting is silly?
Again, buzzing, so I may have trouble carrying this on any further.
RightWinged on May 29, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Well, I have just finished my first Shiner Bock.
Johan Klaus on May 29, 2008 at 12:33 AM
My Shiner Bock reply was to you. I guess that it is stronger than I thought.
Johan Klaus on May 29, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Science reporting drives me nuts. They have a way of reporting the most sensationalized interpretation of tentative results. I thought the Space.com article I linked was pretty fair, but the mainstream coverage has, at times, been way over the top. I got the impression from your posts that you had a problem with the science, or the mere suggestion that science might find evidence of planets that can sustain life. If I was wrong, you have my sincere apologies. Enjoy your buzz, RightWinged.
RightOFLeft on May 29, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Tang
And . . .
Black obelisk . . . Cue up Blue Danube!
jdkchem on May 29, 2008 at 1:05 AM
This one?
Well come on, son…. I’m on my fifth Labatt’s and just now having trouble typing a bit (which is mainly due to the insane hiccups I’ve had for the last 3 hours… at least they didn’t jinx my Celts!!!)
And by the way… “It’s pronounced Canada, and no I haven’t.”
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MqYvCc-0i1w
(okay, I know that commercial is for Labatt Blue Light, but still funny as hell to me every time… even though I have in fact been to Canada)
FWIW, I have no problem with science. I just have a problem with baseless speculation called “science” simply because it comes out of the mouths of scientists. And I’m not even going to get in to how often what comes out of their mouths is dependent upon who’s got their checkbook open.
RightWinged on May 29, 2008 at 1:06 AM
Indy Conservative on May 29, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Humans must explore or die. It is really that simple. the world now holds 6 billion people. how long before a basic building block of society is depleted? What happens when there are 12b or 24b people on the earth? Can the earth sustain that many people with iron, metals, food, etc? with an entire universe out there humans can continue to expand beyond our world. With technology we can move to other worlds, mine needed resources, grow colonies with food, space, needed metals, energy. The journey will enable us to produce new technology to help those that remain on this earth. the only way to survive on this earth with 24billion people would mean war as cultures, nations, etc fight for the few resources left. If God did not want us to explore and settle space he would not have given us the means and drive to do so.
There will always be problems on earth to deal with, will always be reasons to not go, always be hunger, war, taxes etc. To wall ourselves away from the entire universe because of these problems is a self defeating idea. we must grow or die. Like the bactria in a petri dish that uses all its food, humans will shrivel away if we remain in our little petri dish in space.
unseen on May 29, 2008 at 1:38 AM
unseen on May 28, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Unseen, I second your comment.
Space exploration has the chance to fundamentally and permanently improve everyone’s life; aid and programmes are a Band-Aid and a not very good one at that. When the standard of living for the most industrialised countries go up, it has a trickle down effect.
RightWinged on May 28, 2008 at 8:52 PM
My point was that you said there was ‘false evidence of water on Mars’ which isn’t true. There is frozen water on Mars. What false evidence are you referring to?
linlithgow on May 29, 2008 at 3:10 AM
Whatever it is, it is not of this Earth.
;-D
S on May 29, 2008 at 3:48 AM
The aerial photos of that area show nothing. Seriously, I agree with early comments here, it looks like dead pixels. It’s too “sharp” as to edges even in the smaller image file sizes to be anything but dead pixels.
My second guess, since nothing shows up on the aerial images of that area taken when the Phoenix Lander was descending, is that it’s landing debris.
S on May 29, 2008 at 3:57 AM
Wow, RightWinged just got schooled on every single point he originally had. I like to think he realized this and started drinking.
Nonfactor on May 29, 2008 at 4:09 AM
Good point. But it’s useless to argue science with those who can believe in young Earth mysticism. In the next iteration of their theory it will be proclaimed that for the Martians it was a 6000 Martian year time frame.
Annar on May 29, 2008 at 7:23 AM
Annar on May 29, 2008 at 7:23 AM
Faith and science are closely linked. You can not believe in one without believing in the other IMO. some believe in Christ, some God, some in global warming and Gia etc. The fact is that science requires alot of faith. for geology you must have faith that the earth’s systems acted the same way for 4 billion years. you must have faith that the earth is indeed 4 billion years old. If it is isn’t then you theory starts to unravel. Evolution must have faith that the process seen today where the same process that happened a million years ago at the same rate with no outside changes occurring. you also must have faith that an accident with the odds in the trillions started all life on earth. You must have faith that a little change over time can lead to major changes in the end. If you believe in man made global warming you must have blind faith that the big yellow ball in the sky has absoulutly no impact on this world and that the natural process of this world can not evolve to handle the new inputs.
It is no accident that almost all of the great scientists of the human race have been men of faith. It takes a bunch of faith to theorize, to punch thru to new frontiers, to think outside the box.
this notion that faith and science can not function together is a recent devolpment in our society and one I believe that weakens both science and faith in the long run.
unseen on May 29, 2008 at 8:19 AM
Given the rock’s coordinates, what alignment has it to objects we’re aware of?
Earth has plenty of gorgeous needle rock formations that seem to point to heaven. Lovely sights.
maverick muse on May 29, 2008 at 8:59 AM
Thanks for nothing, Karl Marx, sterilizer of brain matter.
The denial of faith has stunted everything, not just scientific development. That so many generations have elapsed specifically cultivated without faith places those with faith in a sterile test tube. Not oddly, though, it only takes a bit of faith for the sterility of mind to become fertile. Hence, hope and endurance.
maverick muse on May 29, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Just chiming in to say “earth-like” is loaded language, especially for scientists to use in talking to the lay public.
JohnTant on May 29, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Freedom Center
Wade on May 29, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I have listened to this argument for decades, in the 1960’s, it was a known and proven fact that by the year 2000 we would have depleted all of the earth’s resources, that massive starvation would happen.
Her is a little fact, just to put it in perspective.
Place all the people on earth (let’s say 7 billion), every one of them could have a plot of land 30 feet by 30 feet in the state of Texas (which is less then 8% of the total U.S.). The rest of the world would be empty of people.
That is how vast and under populated our planet is.
The earth has about 200 times Texas in habitable land. So everyone on earth can have, right now, over 1 square mile of land (habitable and farmable) for every single person on earth.
right2bright on May 29, 2008 at 11:03 AM
So it is NOT a Class M planet.. for all the trekkies out there
DaveC on May 29, 2008 at 11:42 AM
RightWinged:
AGAIN, you cut the context out of my reply, and AGAIN you ignored it.
AND don’t ask me to “admit the reporting is silly” when I said, in the comment you quoted from, that the reporting is silly.
You really have a hard time with this, don’t you?
Merovign on May 29, 2008 at 11:51 AM
When did Rosie O’Donal fall down?
a few of the things that separates us from primates,
Unless you are a part of the ‘Recreate 68′ crowd, normally you don’t fling your pooh..
don’t scratch you ass then pick your nose.. again, rule, ‘Recreate 68′, exception..
and created on different days.. but that’s for another thread :)
DaveC on May 29, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Surprised no one has said this yet but it’s the Control panel for the reactor to melt the ice to make breathable atmosphere.. or have you all had your memories erased?
“Quaid, start the reactor”
DaveC on May 29, 2008 at 12:07 PM
OK then. This is a religious thing for you. This explains why you are impervious to reason on this subject.
Kristopher on May 29, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Well, why don’t they drive Phoenix over there and see what it is? Oh, wait…
Wouldn’t it be a hoot if they found an artifact, and because the lander was not mobile, could not investiagte it?
Seriously, it is probably just a part of the landing system. A similar thing was seen with the Opporunity lander… except in that case they DID drive over and check it out!!
drunyan8315 on May 29, 2008 at 1:53 PM
So who cares?
abcurtis on May 29, 2008 at 2:13 PM
right2bright on May 29, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Land is one thing metals, fertilzer, etc is something different. We can all live on less but why should we. Technology will let the earth hold many billions more I believe. however that technology requires building blocks. we have whole planets within relative reach to mine, to use, to settle. Unless you think that big pieces of rock should be protected for future generations. would you really like living on a 30×30 plot of land next to 8 billion people. It is a fact of nature that when populations become too big for the land to support either you have to move or the population dies off until the numbers are again supported. With addtional clonies, mines, building blocks people can contiue to expand.
unseen on May 29, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Two major stumbling blocks. Air and water.
Johan Klaus on May 29, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Its an “Obama 2008!” yard sign.
The libs already have the dead and invisible friends in their corner, they might as well try to get the nonexistent Martian vote too.
Bishop on May 29, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Please God, let it be anything but a rock. Probably the old Martian “North Pole” tourist trap.
AZCON on May 30, 2008 at 2:39 AM
It’s probably just a rock. If the Mars lander is near the Martian North Pole, the sun will always be at a low angle above the horizon, which could cause unusual optical effects, or a strong “luminosity” on a shiny surface that just happens to reflect sunlight toward the camera.
But near the North Pole in Martian summer, the sun will be out all day, and the rotation of Mars will cause the apparent position of the sun to rotate through 360 degrees, and the sun will shine on the object from all azimuths, but always at a low angle above the horizon, during the course of a Martian day. The best way of identifying the object would be to take several photographs over an entire Martian day with sunlight coming from many different directions, then compare the photographs.
It’s probably just a rock.
Steve Z on May 30, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Actually, Unseen’s comments about nitrates are the real killer. Ice is available, so air and water can be manufactured … but their ain’t any Nitrogen … this makes nitrates for growing plants hard to come by.
Kristopher on May 30, 2008 at 11:57 AM
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