This photograph was taken on Sol 3474 (May 17, 2022) on the surface of Mars.

Not long after another photograph on the Martial surface circulated that some said to be a “doorway on Mars,” another was captured that seems to give the impression to some of plant-life.

The photo was first found by Joe White from the YouTube channel ArtAlienTV on May 19, 2022. The official NASA source link is found below. In addition, special thanks to Paul Scott Anderson for alerting The Black Vault to the photo.

Photograph Archive

The photograph was taken by the Mast Camera (Mastcam) onboard NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 3474 (2022-05-15 13:35:22 UTC).

Possible Explanations

Beyond the hope by some this depicts plant-life of some kind, other explanations have circulated online.

1. A hard mineral vein: The theory here is that there is a mineral vein within the rock, and although the surrounding rock eroded over time, the mineral vein was harder and did not.
2. A fulgurite: Fulgurites are natural tubes or crusts of glass formed by the fusion of silica (quartz) sand or rock from a lightning strike.

The Black Vault endorses no theory, and this page is for information only. There was no formal investigation.

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These photographs appeared on social media outlets Twitter and Reddit and began creating a stir on May 10, 2022..

There are two photographs that captured a mysterious area that some are saying is manufactured (like a doorway) while others argue it is just an illusion.

The photographs were taken by NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 3466, or May 7, 2022.  They are below for analysis, and are the highest resolution photographs available.

Note: The Black Vault has no stance as no formal investigation or analysis was done. These are offered for archival purposes.

Photograph Archive

The first photograph was taken by Mast Camera (Mastcam) onboard NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 3466 (2022-05-07 07:58:16 UTC).

The second photograph was taken by MAST_RIGHT onboard NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 3466 (2022-05-07T07:57:46.000Z).

In another view, you can find the image colorized and arguably a better resolution at the GIGAPAN site.

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Case File Status: Likely Explainable, See Below

The following photograph was sent to The Black Vault by an anonymous submitter. They are not a “source” but rather wanted The Black Vault to look into the photograph, available publicly for download from NASA/JPL.

First, here is the photograph labeled NLF_0317_0695075595_130ECM_N0090000NCAM00900_02_095J:

Here is a close-up/zoomed/cropped version of the “anomaly” itself:

The official caption of the photo NLF_0317_0695075595_130ECM_N0090000NCAM00900_02_095J by NASA reads:

NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover acquired this image using its onboard Left Navigation Camera (Navcam). The camera is located high on the rover’s mast and aids in driving.

This image was acquired on Jan. 10, 2022 (Sol 317) at the local mean solar time of 10:47:11.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The same “anomaly” was also captured in photograph NLF_0317_0695075874_065ECM_N0090000NCAM00901_02_095J approximately 4 1/2 minutes later:A close-up of that “anomaly” is at:

The official NASA/JPL caption reads:

NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover acquired this image using its onboard Left Navigation Camera (Navcam). The camera is located high on the rover’s mast and aids in driving.

This image was acquired on Jan. 10, 2022 (Sol 317) at the local mean solar time of 10:51:42.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The Black Vault put both photographs, both from the LEFT navigation camera, on top of each other to create a composite.

It is clear that the angle is completely different from the camera itself, but by doing this, it revealed that the “anomaly” was to the pixel in the exact same spot:

The Black Vault attempted to find the corresponding RIGHT navigation camera, which is usually taken at the same time as the left.

The closest match, would be photograph NRF_0317_0695075595_130ECM_N0090000NCAM00900_02_095J:

As you can see, there appears to be no “anomaly”. The caption indicates that the photo was taken at the same time:

NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover acquired this image using its onboard Right Navigation Camera (Navcam). The camera is located high on the rover’s mast and aids in driving.

This image was acquired on Jan. 10, 2022 (Sol 317) at the local mean solar time of 10:47:11.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The problem, however, is that numerous photographs listed on the NASA/JPL page for this day, displays the exact same time down to the second. Here is an array of both RIGHT and LEFT camera captures – all with the same time stamp:

So, the timestamp is problematic when matching photographs, but it appears by the composite, the most likely explanation would be a spec of dust temporarily on the lens. As the likelihood of an anomalous object flying in the air, taken in two different angles, would be in the EXACT same pixel-location.

The conclusion on this one, until further evidence is ever presented, would be dust that temporarily was on the lens of the left navigation camera.

To add one further note, it appears that the same effect also happened to the RIGHT navigation camera. This was discovered when sifting through the images to find corresponding evidence, should any exist.

While doing so, it was discovered that on two separate shots, both NRF_0317_0695075874_065ECM_N0090000NCAM00901_04_095J and NRF_0317_0695075595_130ECM_N0090000NCAM00900_04_095J:

… a spec of dust appears to have landed on the RIGHT navigation camera, as well.

When creating a composite, that “anomaly” as well, was in the exact same pixel-location:

The post “Anomaly” Appears In Multiple Mars Photographs Taken on January 10, 2022 (Sol 317) – Here’s a Breakdown first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

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The following case was submitted to The Black Vault. Although there was no formal investigation or conclusion posted, it is archived here for reference purposes.

The photograph was taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on 29 December 2006. It was originally posted and profiled by Jean Ward on YouTube. According to Mr. Ward:

Here I feature an anomaly I discovered at a new site in Ceti Mensa in the region Valles Marineris. The anomaly looks like a disc-shaped object which hit the surface of Mars at a very low angle and left a trench behind it. The disc-shaped object measures approximately 12 to 15 metres in diameter. Apart from removing a few sand dunes to highlight the object I didn’t change anything else in the photograph. To see the anomaly for yourselves please download the original JP2 from the NASA link provided below and download HiVIEW to open the JP2 (the anomaly is right there for anyone to see).

Alternatives: Could this possibly be a ramp leading into an underground entrance or is this an incomplete Project Ice-Worm structure? Or are we seeing a strange arc-shaped dune?

As always, until we get to see these anomalies up close and personal, I can only speculate as to what these objects might be.

In December of 2021, the image gained a lot of traction and was profiled on various sites making extraordinary claims. However, as Mr. Ward said, it is pure speculation at this point.

The Black Vault will add additional information, should it be presented, but for now – you can download the uncompressed image below, along with a .gif

The Evidence

The RAW data

Below, I have archived a .zip file of both the ORIGINAL and UNCOMPRESSED .JP2 file. These do need special viewers, which in this case, I used IRFANVIEW. In addition, I created a .png (no compression) copy, for much easier viewing, as that is a more generic format.

The RAW Data .ZIP download, .JP2 and .PNG files [1.26GB]

(Original sources files distributed by the University of Arizona)

The Official Caption

The below was written by Chris Okubo (8 December 2008). It explains the scientific breakdown of what we are looking at (with no note of the anomaly):

This image shows spectacular layers exposed on the bottom of Candor Chasma, a large canyon in the Valles Marineris system.

The floor here is approximately 4 kilometers below the canyon rim. The layers are made of sand- and dust-sized particles that were transported here by either wind or water. This canyon may have been filled to its rim by these sedimentary layers, subsequently eroded away, most likely by the wind. The elongate hills may represent areas of rock that are stronger due to differences in the size of the sedimentary particles, chemical alteration, or both.

One of the most eye-catching aspects of this scene are the intricate swirls that these layers form. Sedimentary rock generally accumulates in horizontal layers. These layers, however, have been folded into the patterns that we see today. Folding of the layers that are exposed here may have occurred due to the weight of overlying sediments.

Understanding the geologic history of this region may provide clues into the history of water on Mars, because these layers may have accumulated in shallow lakes and may have undergone chemical reactions with this water. The presence of certain kinds of chemical reactions between water and rock can release energy that could have sustained habitable oases in these areas.

The Analysis

Information Case Only; No Formal Investigation by The Black Vault.

The original discoverer did make a video analyzing the footage (there is no endorsement by The Black Vault on the speculation/conclusions/etc.). You can view that here:

Conclusion

Information Case Only; No Formal Investigation by The Black Vault.

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Gigapans are gigapixel panoramas, digital images with billions of pixels. They are huge panoramas with fascinating detail, all captured in the context of a single brilliant photo. Phenomenally large, yet remarkably crisp and vivid, gigapans are available to be explored at Gigapan.com. Zoom in and discover the detail of over 50,000 panoramas from around the world.

One particular upload, was from a NASA Ames consultant, which had the following description:

“On Sol 1450 Curiosity opened eyes wide and captured the entirety of the huge ruin mounds on either side of it as is was heading out of the main complex. This is perhaps the largest and clearest set of images taken within the area. The large one consists of 99 individual frames, the lower 53, for a total of 152 images compiled into this huge beautiful and totally anomalous gigapan full of artifacts. You can literally spend days scrutinizing closely and still not see everything within.”

One Anonymous Black Vault user submitted a find in this rather large array of photos.  He claims the array captured plant life or a tree on Mars, and NASA released it with the rest of the images not realizing.

Was this a mistake and does this really capture a tree or plant life on the Martian surface? Or is this simply a glitch or a trick of light and shadows?

The Evidence

This video was submitted outlining the anomaly (Thanks to YouTube Channel: The King of Magic):

Here is a screen shot:

The Original Source

The original source of the above, was uploaded to “Gigapan” at: http://gigapan.com/gigapans/192648 by Keith Laney.  NASA Ames Research Center Consultant. 

Note from The Black Vault: There have been some who doubt the legitimacy of this photo. I assure you, it is real.  I dug deeper, and found the following information about the specific photo we are interested in, used in this array.  

This image was taken by Mastcam: Right (MAST_RIGHT) onboard NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 1450 (2016-09-04 01:15:16 UTC).  You can download the source directly from NASA: https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?rawid=1450MR0071820060703167E01_DXXX&s=1450.58131296153 or below (click for highest resolution that NASA releases):

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Official NASA Caption

This image was taken by Mastcam: Right (MAST_RIGHT) onboard NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 710 (2014-08-05 13:25:07 UTC).

What are we looking at?

In this photo from the surface of Mars, there is a mysterious and unknown looking creature or plant life on the wall of a rocky outcrop. Or maybe just an illusion and a trick of our eyes.

What exactly is it?

Although many photos on Mars are said to have “objects” like a squirrel, Nazi helmet, or Sasquatch, many are explained away by pareidolia, the psychological phenomena of seeing something that isn’t, like let’s say, a horse in a wisp of clouds. But could this one be different?

It appears to have a different shade of color than the surrounding rocks, indicating maybe it is something unlike the surrounding rocks.

Original NASA Source

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/00710/mcam/0710MR0030150070402501E01_DXXX.jpg 

Photographic Analysis

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What are we looking at?: In this photograph, beamed back from the surface of Mars, we can see an object that appears to look like a pyramid. Although usually objects seen on Mars are more or less easily dismissed as pareidolia (seeing things in clouds or photos that aren’t really there) by the nature of what is allegedly in the photograph (ie: a Nazi helmet, a squirrel, or Bigfoot have all been ‘seen on Mars’), this is a bit different. There really isn’t much to mistake in the photo, as it appears to genuinely show a pyramid, which are unnatural.

Official NASA Caption: This image was taken by Mastcam: Right (MAST_RIGHT) onboard NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 978 (2015-05-07 23:22:33 UTC).

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

Official NASA Source: LINK

Possible Explanations: 

1) Simply an illusion

Comparisons:

Here is a photograph of the great Egyptian pyramids for a comparison.

Background on the Curiosity Mission:

With its rover named Curiosity, Mars Science Laboratory mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the red planet. Curiosity was designed to assess whether Mars ever had an environment able to support small life forms called microbes. In other words, its mission is to determine the planet’s “habitability.”

Mars Science Laboratory will study Mars’ habitability

To find out, the rover carries the biggest, most advanced suite of instruments for scientific studies ever sent to the martian surface. The rover will analyze samples scooped from the soil and drilled from rocks. The record of the planet’s climate and geology is essentially “written in the rocks and soil” — in their formation, structure, and chemical composition. The rover’s onboard laboratory will study rocks, soils, and the local geologic setting in order to detect chemical building blocks of life (e.g., forms of carbon) on Mars and will assess what the martian environment was like in the past.

Mars Science Laboratory relies on innovative technologies

Mars Science Laboratory will rely on new technological innovations, especially for landing. The spacecraft descended on a parachute and then, during the final seconds prior to landing, lowered the upright rover on a tether to the surface, much like a sky crane. Now on the surface, the rover will be able to roll over obstacles up to 75 centimeters (29 inches) high and travel up to 90 meters (295 feet) per hour. On average, the rover is expected to travel about 30 meters (98 feet) per hour, based on power levels, slippage, steepness of the terrain, visibility, and other variables.

The rover carries a radioisotope power system that generates electricity from the heat of plutonium’s radioactive decay. This power source gives the mission an operating lifespan on Mars’ surface of a full martian year (687 Earth days) or more, while also providing significantly greater mobility and operational flexibility, enhanced science payload capability, and exploration of a much larger range of latitudes and altitudes than was possible on previous missions to Mars.

Arriving at Mars at 10:32 p.m. PDT on Aug. 5, 2012 (1:32 a.m. EDT on Aug. 6, 2012), Mars Science Laboratory will serve as an entrée to the next decade of Mars exploration. It represents a huge step in Mars surface science and exploration capability because it will:
demonstrate the ability to land a very large, heavy rover to the surface of Mars (which could be used for a future Mars Sample Return mission that would collect rocks and soils and send them back to Earth for laboratory analysis)

• demonstrate the ability to land more precisely in a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) landing circle
• demonstrate long-range mobility on the surface of the red planet (5-20 kilometers or about 3 to 12 miles) for the collection of more diverse samples and studies.

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Bizarre UFO Spotted By Robot On Surface Of MARS

By Chris Richards, The Mirror

A UFO has been caught on camera – by a robot on MARS.

The bizarre celestial object, which looks like a spacecraft complete with vapour trail, was photographed by an unmanned Nasa rover at work on the surface of the Red Planet.

The weird shape can be seen in a video uploaded to YouTube by Ufologist Streetcap1 under the heading Mars ufo?

Some internet users offered potential explanations for the UFO.

Nix Nightbird commented: “It’s something on the lens of the rover camera.

“Ice, dust, whatever.”

Brad Parker said: “That’s obviously just a weather balloon.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Botha simply said: “Asteriod.”

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Background: Curiosity sends back raw images for current and prior Sols based on commands sent by the mission team. The rover uses orbiters to relay back a lot of its data, and maximizes each opportunity when they pass by overhead. Curiosity stores any data not transmitted onboard. The rover will send back this data on later Sols according to the mission team’s science and engineering priorities.

This is one of those photos.

NASA Caption: None found

What are we looking at?: NASA’s Curiosity rover snaps thousands of photos on the Martian surface.  If a photo like this appeared from the deserts of Arizona, many would say the object appearing to be flying in the background, would be a bird, plane or helicopter.  However, this photo is from the surface of Mars.

So the question is… what is it?

NASA Source: JPL

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Note from The Black Vault:  The image in this case file was discovered while digging through a massive archive of “raw” photos taken from the surface of Mars.  Many scour these types of photos to see what may be on the surface of Mars.

In this particular case, BlackVault User: Willease (who credits user “Mike_Edwards” for the find) posted this photo that has, what appears to be, a face partially buried in the Martian dirt.

Although this may just be a trick of light, shadows, and this is “only a rock” – it is archived here for research.

You will also find the high-resolution photo to download below, along with the original source NASA link (live and working as of 2/6/2014).

Link to Original NASA Source Photograph

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