"PAVER & GLYPH" by MarsX3D
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- Category: Mars
- Written by David Gannett
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“PAVER & GLYPH” by MarsX3D
Curiosity Sol 1429 M-100 S - PDS by Neville Thompson
Link: http://www.gigapan.com/gigapans/197154/snapshots/622743
These two classic anomalies have been covered in depth by myself and other anomalists in the past, the difference here being these views are the first time 3D rendering has been applied.
Our context view is loaded with strangeness, but we will focus on the two main attractions for today.
Detail View #1 is a closer look at what I have chosen to call a “paver”, due to its resemblance to stones of various thicknesses and shapes that we utilize for patios, walkways, cobblestone streets and so forth. Its sharply-triangular shape is arresting in its perfection. Its depth and thickness suggest this was intended for load bearing purposes, perhaps a heavily-traveled road. Think of the Appian Way in Rome, where Roman engineers installed overly-thick pavers not because semis or heavy equipment were rolling over it daily, but because they intended their highway to last forever. Indeed, it is still in daily use thousands of years after its construction. Of course, the Romans didn’t have to deal with a global catastrophe as Mars did, just hoards of Goths, who found the Romans’ well-built roads advantageous to their invasion plans.
Detail View #2 is a real classic. This huge slab of stone bears a beautiful bas-relief glyph in its center, so clear and precise as to render meaningless the mewling protests of nay-sayers. What is truly fascinating however, is the way the substrate bends up in back, as if it were made of metal. Perhaps the titanic forces that ripped this facade element from the building it graced bent the metal backing? Just speculation, of course. But how does one explain what we see here?
Before leaving this view, take a good look at the triangular piece in the upper left-hand corner. Uniform in thickness, comprised of several layers, it seems to be made of corroded metal.
This entire gigapan will keep the serious anomalist busy for hours!
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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)
