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Astronomy Picture of the Day -- An Ancient Stream Bank on Mars
NASA ^ | October 02, 2012 | (see photo credit)

Posted on 10/02/2012 3:33:37 AM PDT by SunkenCiv

Explanation: Fresh evidence of an ancient stream has been found on Mars. The robotic rover Curiosity has run across unusual surface features that carry a strong resemblance to stream banks on Earth. Visible in the above image, for example, is a small overhanging rock ledge that was quite possibly created by water erosion beneath. The texture of the ledge appears to be a sedimentary conglomerate, the dried remains of many smaller rocks stuck together. Beneath the ledge are numerous small pebbles, possibly made smooth by tumbling in and around the once-flowing stream. Pebbles in the streambed likely fell there as the bank eroded. Circled at the upper right is a larger rock possibly also made smooth by stream erosion. Curiosity has now discovered several indications of dried streambeds on Mars on its way to its present location where it will be exploring the unusual conjunction of three different types of landscape.

October 02, 2012

(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...


TOPICS: Astronomy; Astronomy Picture of the Day; Science
KEYWORDS: apod; astronomy; mars; science
[Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech, MSSS ]

1 posted on 10/02/2012 3:33:42 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
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To: brytlea; cripplecreek; decimon; bigheadfred; KoRn; Grammy; married21; steelyourfaith; Mmogamer; ...
IMHO -- Flowing water on Mars is and probably always has been a transient event, linked to impact. I'd also point out that these would be categorically tagged as wind erosion if they were found, say, on the Sphinx...

2 posted on 10/02/2012 3:36:05 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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To: SunkenCiv

Uhh... that circled rock kinda looks like a pecker.


3 posted on 10/02/2012 3:51:15 AM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (If you like lying Socialist dirtbags, you'll love Slick Willard)
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To: fieldmarshaldj

Naughty Naughty! :-)


4 posted on 10/02/2012 4:13:26 AM PDT by left that other site (Worry is the Darkroom that Develops Negatives.)
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To: fieldmarshaldj

Dave! I remember you from gym class!


5 posted on 10/02/2012 7:08:57 AM PDT by blueunicorn6 ("A crack shot and a good dancer")
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To: SunkenCiv
An Ancient Stream Bank on Mars

Global WARMING caused by evil WHITE RICH REPUBLICANS!! /s

Is MARVIN the MARTIN driving around in a SUV on MARS??

6 posted on 10/02/2012 2:32:10 PM PDT by ExCTCitizen (Yes, Obama, I had help with my business. MY CUSTOMERS!)
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