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Photo: NASA |
So What is it then?
The rectangular opening is simply "the space between two fractures in a rock," according to Ashwin Vasavada of the Mars Science Laboratory. Vasavada told Gizmodo that the area photographed by Curiosity's Mastcam "has formed from ancient sand dunes." Over centuries, these dunes built up on top of each other.
The sandstone essentially fractured at different places as a result of the constant piling pressure. So that door is actually a small opening in the rock, about 30 centimetres high, according to Vasavada.
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NASA |
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Since its landing in Gale Crater in August 2012, the Curiosity rover has been exploring Mars. In 3,472 Martian days, or sols,' the rover has travelled 17.3 miles (27.84 kilometres). Curiosity uses its panoramic Mastcam (mast + camera) to take photos when it isn't collecting rock and soil samples.
The discovery on Mars comes as the United States Congress prepares to hold an open hearing on UFOs for the first time in over 50 years next Tuesday. The subject will be discussed by the House Intelligence Committee's Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee.
The experts however suggest that this photo from Curiosity is another example of our tendency to see familiar forms in an unfamiliar landscape. People have reported seeing all kinds of strange things on Mars in the past, including large canals, faces, squirrels and even a spoon.
Reference: GIZMODO NASA's Curiosity Rover Spotted a 'Doorway' on Mars