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MIA020: Martian Cairn
MIA020: Martian Cairn

IMAGE DETAILS
Mars Report Ref: MIA020
Report date: July-August 2017
Research Status: Open - Possible monument
Description: Martian Cairn?
Approximate size: 1 m
Mission: Opportunity Rover
Location: Meridiani Planum
Found by: N/A
Image date: Sol 2467, March 2011
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Graphics/image editing: M. J. Craig
Image source: https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/gallery/all/1/p/2467/1P347194239EFFB0Q0P2366L6M1.HTML
OBSERVATIONS
​An interesting object more likely to be vesicular rock than something artificial, but which could warrant closer examination. The objects and the darker soil next to them may actually extend further, if the undulating surface is dipping as it seems it may be doing, though hard to tell in this image.
POTENTIAL FOR AN ARTIFICIAL STRUCTURE
Three sloping edges inclined at a similar degree, suggest an eroded, pyramidal structure. Its small size make it comparable to some prehistoric rock cairns found in the British Isles and elsewhere on the Earth (MR020.4). A mound of material of similar hue and texture to the object's left, may be the eroded remains of a second structure.
COMMON EXPLANATION
A piece of volcanic rock; vesicular coria or basalt (MIA020.3), with an accumulation of soil built up within a cavity.
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MIA020.2 Martian Cairn: from a distance - Sol 2467
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell

MIA020.3 Small piece of vesicular volcanic rock on the surface of Mars
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Image source: https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mer/gallery/all/2/p/736/2P191701077ESFANHEP2562L5M1.JPG
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MIA020.1 Martian Cairn: Close-up - Sol 2467
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell
Image source: https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/gallery/all/1/p/2467/1P347194239EFFB0Q0P2366L6M1.HTML
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