"CYLINDER & SLAB" by MarsX3D
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- Category: Mars
- Written by David Gannett
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“CYLINDER & SLAB” by MarsX3D
Curiosity Sol 1384 M-100 PDS by Neville Thompson
Link: http://www.gigapan.com/gigapans/195641/snapshots/623108
Today’s Context View opens upon a steep hillside littered with debris. At dead center and down to the right, two different objects require closer inspection.
In Detail View #1 we are faced with something that simply shouldn’t be there: a large and ornately-carved cylinder perhaps six to eight feet in length lies on the hillside, wedged between rocks where it came to rest. Most everything seen in this image is manufactured; we’re seeing another one of Mars’ typical debris fields. Look a little closer at the object behind the cylinder and at about the one o’clock position. The closest end is curved and has regularly-spaced “teeth”, like cogs in a gear. At the top, a right-angled brace spans the two symmetrical sides. This is part of a machine and the cylinder may be another part that has come loose in the general cataclysm.
Moving to hyper-zoom in Detail View #2, we can see in greater detail certain aspects of the cylinder. As usual, things get blurry as you zoom in, and this is at about the limit before the pixel size ceases to offer useful information. Notice what may be bas-relief carving on the side of the cylinder. If it’s a machine or part of a machine, it’s more likely these are fittings rather than decorative. Notice the left end. There are four equally-spaced holes or markings along with a central knob or hub. If they’re holes, this suggests the cylinder is hollow, further enhancing the possibility that this was part of a machine.
In Detail View #3 we see a flawless slab, uniform in shape, angles and thickness. It appears to be part of a box-like structure. There are many more anomalies in this gigapan, but these two “in your face” items are so far into the non-fractal realm that any reasonably rational person will have to admit they are not natural.
Unless, of course, you’re from NASA…
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“SO, HOW DO I VIEW X3D STEREO?”
Simple! While viewing the stereo pair at a comfortable distance, gently cross your eyes (no eye-strain) until you perceive three images all the same width. The one in the center is in 3D. Just relax into it and your eyes will automatically bring it into focus. Once you have it, you will never forget how to do it. Kinda like riding a bicycle…
For another, more detailed method of viewing X3D stereo, click HERE.
(Click for full-sized image)
