Mysterious Cylinder-like Object Found on the Surface of Mars
Mars Exoarchaeology Report: #MIA046 "Container with Handle"
Observations
This object clearly stands out amongst the surrounding regular terrain of sand, small rocks and stones, due to its highly irregular vertical character. At this distance from the Curiosity Rover, maybe about 5-6 metres, there is not quite enough resolution in the image to be sure of the details, as degradation of the image begins to show after zooming in. However, the shadows that delineate its shape and striking mechanical appearance, presents a very unnatural-looking object indeed.
Potential for an Artificial Object
1. Displays symmetry and curvature consistent with a possibly cylindrical artefact.
2. Appears to have a handle at the top, displaying fairly distinct, parallel extensions as we would expect to see from a conventional handle.
3. A cylinder shape for the object is also suggested, which again runs more or less parallel from top to bottom as would be expected. At the foot of the object, there is a triangular patch too that is darker than the rest, which may suggest an opening.
4. At this junction there is also a suggestion that perhaps a "pipe" connects to the container, as we can see a straight line of material extending towards it. However, it may just as easily be merely an elongated patch of sand.
5. It is very near the "Dingo Gap" area where several other potential artefacts have been identified.
Common Explanation
Several rocks laying close to each other that give the impression of one solid object. For example, the "handle" may simply be an illusion created by a line of rocks and stones behind it
Details
Mars Report Ref: MIA-046
Report date: March 2021
Research Status: Open - Possible artefact
Description: "Container with Handle"
Approximate size: 30-40 cm
Mission: Curiosity Rover
Location: Gale Crater
Identified by: Martine Grainey (2014)
Image date: Sol 526, Jan 2014
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig
Image source: https://mars.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/00526/mcam/0526ML0020740010203151E01_DXXX.jpg
All images for Sol 526:
https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw-images
Comments on #MIA046 Container with Handle
This startling object sits out like a sore thumb amongst the surrounding terrain and apart from its very strong symmetry and linear character, I am particularly persuaded by the fact that it is very near "Dingo Gap" where other strong candidates for artificial objects have been noted (see Mars reports #MIA035 "Beam Clamp Strut and #MIA039 "Building Foundation).
When potential artefacts exist in physical proximity to each other, this strengthens the possibility they share a common origin, i.e. archaeological evidence from a civilization that used to live in the area. This particular object also draws some analogies to objects we know and recognize. Of course, I've seen enough images to know that when you are limited to just one angle and one set of shadows and lighting, then optical illusion is almost always a factor to consider and to be realistic about.
Given that proviso, however, the similarities to a fire hydrant or one of those medical/radioactive transport canisters, is a tempting invitation for the imagination. As too, if that is indeed a pipe connected to it, then a perhaps a coupling attachment of some kind.
Who can say with any assurance. Without the Nasa operator who is controlling the rover, showing some curiosity and going over to investigate the object, we can only hope to expect that one day, when Nasa and the other space agencies revise their scientific priorities for Mars to include exoarchaeology, then such an object will be revisited.
All we have to go on is this flat 2D image, with no perspective as to its true shape, which would only be possible from a 3D rendition. As with most pictures from our own world, we can certainly infer what an object looks like from a flat image, providing we know something about the object and can recognize it as something we've seen before. But on Mars, to presume that because something "looks like" a cylinder, then that's what we are looking at, is walking on very tenuous ground indeed, and justifiably draws a critical shot across the bow.
The Ancient Civilization on Mars Hypothesis
In truth, we can only justify this speculation because of the hypothesis that is underpinning this entire investigation - which is that due to multiple observations of both large and small artificial-looking structure and artefacts seen on the surface of Mars, it is presumed that these must belong to a civilization that used to inhabit Mars, and that we are looking at its exoarchaeological remains.
A tentative conclusion is also accepted that because we think we recognize some Earth-like mechanical/technological objects in the Martian sand, then we think that this hypothetical Martian civilization must have been humanoid and built things the same way we do. A reasonable assumption, given that the relative closeness of the two planets may have made it possible for a prehistoric technologically advanced former race, whether on Mars or Earth, to have influenced the other through migration, colonization or conquest.
As we see, there is much depending on the correct identification of what we are looking at on Mars; genuine artefacts, and not random geological tricks of light and shadow. And we can be in no doubt whatsoever, that if we were to correctly identify an object as being of artificial origin and made by some sentient Martian being, then the repercussions will be massive, and the world will change overnight.
Which, many have argued, is the very reason why these objects on Mars are never investigated or discussed by Nasa. They are not allowed to. And someone out there is not yet ready to give the public an answer.
© 2022 M. J. Craig