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MAA-009: Tubular Features
- Image Analysis Report

Image Analysis Report
IMAGE DETAILS
MAA Report Ref: MAA-009
Report Date: July-August 2017
Research Status: Open - Possible construction/technology
Description: Tubular Features
Approximate size: 1.5 km
Mission image/date: MGS January 2000
Pixel width: 4.34 m
Location: Aram Chaos
Found by: J. P. Skipper
Image credits: NASA/JPL/MSSS
Graphics/image editing: Mars Archaeology Archive
Image source: (See image captions)
OBSERVATIONS
When first discovered by J.P. Skipper, this feature was presented as a possible example of artificial pipes spewing liquid. The low pixel size however will limit the possibility of that determination.
What is for certain, is that the area to the north and north-west, shows several lighter variations of the dark shapes and linear striations that make up the tubular features and the 'spray', strongly indicating their origin is one and the same (See MAA-009.3).
This suggests that the 'tubes or pipes' are either newer formations, or that reflections of light and shadow play is responsible for their prominent appearance in the image.
POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL STRUCTURE
Two tube-like formations each over 1 km in length, suggesting artificial constructions, with one of them possibly gushing liquid.
COMMON EXPLANATION
Ground level illusions caused by reflective light and shadows.

MAA-009.1 Tubular Features: Distance
Image credit: NASA/JPL/MSSS
Image source: See MAA-009.1

MAA-009.2 Tubular Features: Close-up - MGS 2000
Image credit: NASA/JPL/MSSS
Original Image source (image shown) no longer available at MSSS: http://www.msss.com/moc_gallery/m07_m12/nonmaps/M11/M1100099.gif
PDS image source: https://ida.wr.usgs.gov/fullres/divided/m11000/m1100099d.jpg

MAA-009.3 Tubular Features: Area to the north showing muted but identical shapes to the dark features and 'spray'
Image credit: NASA/JPL/MSSS
Image source: See MAA-009.1
