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MAA-026: Phobos Subsurface Structure? - Image Analysis Report
Image Analysis Report
IMAGE DETAILS
MAA Report Ref: MAA-026
Report date: July-August 2017
Research Status: Open - Possible artificial construction
Description: Phobos Subsurface Structure?
Approximate size: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Mission: MRO/HiRISE
Location: Phobos Moon, over 'Stickney Crater'
Pointed out by: M. J. Craig
Image date: March 2008
Image credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
Graphics/image editing: Mars Archaeology Archive
Image source: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/galleries/phobos-in-color
OBSERVATIONS
The rectilinear grooves on Phobos look remarkably artificial, but may just as well have been caused by natural processes as yet unclear. A partially hollow interior has been confirmed, formed of large cavities.
POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL STRUCTURE
A prevalent pattern of rectilinear markings cover most of the moon's surface, first commented upon by R C Hoagland from the Mars Express image of 2006. This may indicate that an artificial structure exists beneath the surface dust. Research by Astrophysicist Dr Iosif S Shklovskiy suggested that the moon was hollow, a theory supported by the United States Naval Observatory and results from the Phobos flyby mission. A hollow moon may indicate an artificial body with compartments. A vertical object on the surface found by Efrain Palermo (MAA-026.3) and noted by former NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin, may be an artificial object.
COMMON EXPLANATION
The grooves on the surface of Phobos are "stretch marks" caused by the competing pull of the planet and the moon. Some research also suggests they could also be caused by impacts from asteroids.
MAA-026.1 Phobos Subsurface Structure?: Geometrical detail over Stickney Crater - MRO/HiRISE 2008
Image credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
