'Life on Mars' explained

Frey, Winchester VA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:24:32 GMT

When I first saw this picture I immediatly thought what every other believer did, holy crap they are really up there. But then after looking the size of the 'rock' is too small to be a humanoid creature, and logically it does appear to be a wind formed object. Although, I do believe that NASA is holding a lot of information back from us about Alien Life, whether it be on Mars or visting the small Texas towns in the past few weeks. Visitations and sightings are on the rise, give it time and they will reveal themselves to us.

'Life on Mars' explained

Bill Busby, St Charles Mo. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:40:23 GMT

The rovers have established that there was water on the planet at one time. Have they found the hammer and chisel or the hand that carved these monuments? Of course not! These conspiracy nuts are just that----NUTTS!

'Life on Mars' explained

Brian P. Evans, San Diego, CA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:47:02 GMT

Bad format. The article is about a picture but the picture isn't included in the article? OK, I understand, you might not have the rights to include it, but no clear, "Click here to view the image I'm talking about" link? You'd think it was the "Original Images" link but no, that's not it (unless you, too, want to spend four years poring over the panorama trying to find it).

If you want people to click on your links, you need to provide actual descriptions of what the links go to.

'Life on Mars' explained

Rob Mey, Oak Ridge, NJ — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:48:52 GMT

The Nasa website URL is misspelled. should be http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/

[Alan adds: Thanks! I've fixed the URL. Also, I was in transit today so I apologize for the delay in getting video and photos tacked onto this story. I've now added a video as well as a couple of photos that highlight just where this "Mermaid" is.]

'Life on Mars' explained

ROBERTO TORRES las vegas nevada — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:01:31 GMT

that is no mermaid it's osama binladen lol

'Life on Mars' explained

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:02:26 GMT

Until we are there ourselves, we will never be 100% sure. If the "face" and the "mermaid" are really created by another life form, then we have to hope that there is some device that they left to communicate with them. Otherwise, it is just some formation that we see something into that isn't really there.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jason A. Fontaine — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:10:11 GMT

When you think of the billions upon billions of stars - and the planets already found - come on. To say life does not exist in space is just like saying the Earth is round when everyone KNOWS it is flat....

'Life on Mars' explained

shawn merritt tacoma,wa. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:11:12 GMT

'Life on Mars' explained

Kathy, Dayton, OHio — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:12:25 GMT

I say we send all the paparazzi there to get a real picture -- particularly those camped out in NYC at Heath Ledger's place or Michelle Williams' place.

'Life on Mars' explained

www.actionforspace.com — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:14:11 GMT

I think that it is great that the public is keyed in enough to notices little things like this. It just signals to me that there is a large group of interested people in the public when it comes to space exploration.

'Life on Mars' explained

anna lee — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:30:51 GMT

If this is a wind created sculpture... why has it not been seen before? i believe this is not the first round of pictures from this specific area... But i am not positive on that.

'Life on Mars' explained

Dave Hoffman, Cleveland, OH — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:55:07 GMT

I would think that if you'd find a real artifact on the surface there right now, you'd be tripping over artifacts left and right. Erosion does not discriminate.

But I've also seen some things in rover images that look interesting, like they shouldn't be there, like they are crying for a closer inspection. Then it behooves me why they never receive any. Curious.

I think the biggest question is... if they ever did, or have, uncovered *something* up there, would they really tell the public? I'd bet everything that I own that they wouldn't say a word, per govt orders.

'Life on Mars' explained

Chris, Austin, TX — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:58:22 GMT

If they found a large formation of rocks that clearly spelled "HELLO EARTH" or even something that was obviously artwork or writing meant to be viewed from the air, I would be the first to get excited and believe what I was seeing.

But sorry guys, this one is just a rock...

'Life on Mars' explained

Anna M. Reber, Las Vegas, Nevada — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:59:40 GMT

Did anyone even notice in the picture that directly straight a head of the seated woman is another figure with a round head, as if they are lying, or climbing the rock and you can see a round shape figure like a head. The picture almost depicts as if the alien is directing the other alien climbing the rock. Look closely at the picture. Pictures don't lie!

'Life on Mars' explained

Russ, Tracy, California — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:17:18 GMT

Of course it’s a wind sculptured bit of rock. There are countless analogues here on earth where natural features resemble something familiar.

“Face Rock” off the coast of Brandon Oregon comes to mind. From a certain angle when the light is just right it looks very much like a giant stone head looking up at the heavens.

Is the “Martian Mermaid” a sign of life? No, but it is very cool.

'Life on Mars' explained

Scott Doe, North East, Nebraska — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:18:21 GMT

Love the rovers, quite a 3 month jaunt! If the folks who built them ever decide to produce a car or truck I want one.
Thanks for the show!

'Life on Mars' explained

Clyde Bethea, Franklin Park, N.J. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:45:52 GMT

Processing the MARS image using contrast control and brightness, in addition to noise removal revels some interesting results. The figure appears to have been an overlay into the original NASA pix. Are the Boys at JPL OR NASA playing trick or treat. Also, I thought NASA could get time shots of a sequence.

'Life on Mars' explained

jessica feilds hamilton texas — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:03:26 GMT

this is the stupidest stuff i have ever heard there is no such thing as bigfoot its just stupid

'Life on Mars' explained

Theo, L.A. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:04:53 GMT

Anyone see that "Life After People" show a couple days ago? Wow, without us maintaining our structures, in only 1,000 years there won't be ANYTHING left of our cities except for giant piles of rust and vegetation, but at the very end they mention that Mt. Rushmore, carved out of solid granite, will be around for 100,000 years or much longer. (The face on Mars?) The gov't doesn't need to release ANY incriminating pictures to the public, let alone a picture of an alien out for a stroll on the surface of our planetary neighbor... It'd be great if it actually is an extraterrestrial that accidentally let itself be photographed, or it happens to be a statuary remnant of some unfathomably ancient culture, but logistically something that small would have been worn down to dust by the harsh weather on that planet. I'll just keep hoping that we see a giant happy face ufo coming out of the sky to say hello in the not too distant future... but I'm not holding my breath.

'Life on Mars' explained

john doe,california — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:12:11 GMT

its off primeval duh!

'Life on Mars' explained

E-Z-B — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:14:30 GMT

Here's a better picture:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a197/dotcosm/PIA10214circles.jpg

'Life on Mars' explained

a p garcia — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:25:52 GMT

"Weekly World News" where are you when we need you?

'Life on Mars' explained

alekromanov — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:26:44 GMT

Please remember the proposed size of this rock...2 inches? One would think that "wind sculpture" would act on it in proportion to its size... Are you inclined to simply dismiss this as being natural? why won't NASA have the rover RETURN to the place for another CLOSER look?

'Life on Mars' explained

Yep — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:30:05 GMT

She's likely right. But we won't know for sure till we can examine stuff more closely, will we?

'Life on Mars' explained

Russ, Pasadena CA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:32:41 GMT

Sorry, but the skeptic in me doesn't believe the wind created that figure in the image on Mars. For one thing, if this is common, why aren't there tons of images showing this kind of strangely shaded rocks elsewhere? Nope, this photo demands further investigation. This image cannot simply be excused as simply a chance happening due to the wind. Please, Americans are smarter than to beleive that.

'Life on Mars' explained

Frank, Dallas, TX — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:35:35 GMT

The other day I saw a face in the clouds. Clearly, this proves that clouds are built by martians.

'Life on Mars' explained

Clark, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:37:12 GMT

Having previously worked at JPL, specifically on the MER project, I can tell all of those conspiracy folks out there that there is NO CONSPIRACY, period. JPL, as with all NASA facilities, is constantly fighting for budget funding from Washington. If there were absolute proof of alien existence on Mars, JPL would trumpet it from the roof-tops in hopes of getting a lion's share of the NASA budget for a flotilla of spacecraft to the red planet. There simply isn't any motivation to keep something like this secret ... and a whole LOT of motivation to make it public. That's something the traditional die-hard conspiracy theorists just don't understand.

'Life on Mars' explained

lr — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:37:40 GMT

1)Now we know what Lot's wife looked like after she turned to a pillar of salt!!!

2) Ralph always said "to the moon, right?"

'Life on Mars' explained

Kevin B, Olympia, WA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:41:25 GMT

Looking at the stereo imagery should definitely be a first resort, before one starts saying it's living creature.

'Life on Mars' explained

Ray Marcus — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:43:54 GMT

It's easy to debunk anything looking at it form your favored perspective. We all know Nasa has tampered with colr and actual images in photographs. To quote a line from "Contact", Achum's Razor; "when all the obvious things are eliminated, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probaly a duck. I look at our planet & civilaztion, how arrogant of man to think there is no one else out there, to not belive in higher power or God. My final .02 cents worth, it's definitely a statue of a long gone civilzation that yes, was bipedal and very close to human like me.

'Life on Mars' explained

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:54:24 GMT

AHHHHH! ITS BIGFOOT! and its blurry! there is a big blurry monster running around on Mars! AHHHHH! *widespread panic ensues*

'Life on Mars' explained

david wales sealand — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:54:45 GMT

I belive in life on other planets this could just be the proof that will make others belive it too

'Life on Mars' explained

greg, purdy,missouri — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:57:13 GMT

I know now why nasa has been covering up saying there is no life on mars. These little rovers are like monster trucks to those poor tiny little 2 in aliens. How many martians have been killed by these rovers???The truth is out there!!! We need to demand that nasa stop running over these innocent little guys!!!

'Life on Mars' explained

Lynne Marie Merrick, Bellingham, Wash. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:02:47 GMT

I saw another photo of this and the "sculpture" appeared to be quite some distance away from the camera. I was under the impression that this figure was much larger than two inches:

This Is London: Crikey! There's a little green man on Mars

I suppose the image in that picture could be construed as sitting atop an outcropping of rocks either at a higher elevation than the camera, or at a much lower elevation, beneath the camera. Optical illusion?

'Life on Mars' explained

Sajid,Hollywood, FL — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:05:08 GMT

First, there is something there that doesn't resemble anything around it. Even on earth you will not find a rock with these characteristics, especially on an open land like this. Also if you see the picture carefully, you can't see from what looks like upper legs down, as it is cover by a frontal rock formation. I am a man of science but this looks either organic or whatever it is have a form and shape of some kind of creature. I have seen many rocks that resemble known shapes, but they are never that well sculpted, never. This shape, have many angles and curves, everything around it is more straight, sharp, and pointy. I don't know what it is but to me it is not a rock that was sculpted by wind. Ask any scientist that study rocks?

'Life on Mars' explained

Paul Caputo, Gloucester, MA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:09:53 GMT

To Kris Jensen: I have the answer. It's absolutely clear (to me). The image on Mars, verified by unimpeachable sources, is Osama Bin Laden, (looking exactly like the image of him hiking through the mountains of who-knows-where).

Oh by the way, I wanted to give you guys kudos for being the new, biggest and best "fair and balanced" news on cable. You guys have knocked Fox TV out of the block.

Maybe it would be nice to have a little coverage of the war, and even possibly Ron Paul, who came in second, and I'm not a Ron Paul supporter.

'Life on Mars' explained

Eric Talbot, Portland, Or — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:14:17 GMT

The wind on Mars is clearly shaping its surface daily - where there was once a marked braid of rover tracks below the north edge of Home Plate where Spirit Rover traversed on sols 765 through 768, there is now only drifts of grit - not a sign left!

'Life on Mars' explained

Tom, Raritan, NJ — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:20:15 GMT

There is no way that is a rock formation. Oh come all ye faithful, and open up your eyes. There is life on Mars.

'Life on Mars' explained

Sonya — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:28:25 GMT

I don't agree that this is some kind of wind caused rock formation. Because it would stand to reason that if it was formed from rocks by erosion that it would be the same color as the surrounding rocks. We can all clearly see it's much darker. And there are no taller rocks in the shot to cast a shadow. I think regardless of the debates people will believe what is most convenient for them to believe. I don’t think people will accept the idea that there is life on Mars or any other planet unless it walks up and smacks them in the face. I think it’s not hard to speculate that if bacteria and other organisms can survive or did survive on Mars larger and intelligent life forms are possible. If you think about Earth aren’t microscopic organisms how life started here and will probably end with them.

'Life on Mars' explained

ABeverage — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:28:32 GMT

Why not go and investigate? We paid for those Rovers; they have far outlived their warranty. Why not have a little fun with them and humor the public? I doubt it is anything and I have seen some very strange images from Mars and gave some speculation that at least in the South Pole there were geysers erupting. NASA stated the features were windblown feature but then later retracted this and finally announced that yes there are active geysers in the South Pole.

Sometimes we “Amateurs” see what the Professionals miss or have not had a chance to fully investigate. Science should never be held back for beliefs on either side of the pendulum nor should a belief be instantly dismissed without some inquiry.

Just because Astronomers, Physicist and Scientists alike have a degree does not always mean they have all of the answers and that discovers cannot be made by the common person.

'Life on Mars' explained

Nichole, Pennsylvania — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:28:43 GMT

Ill have to disagree with you Jessica....there could be a bigfoot...anything is possible...its called science and under certain weather conditions and any major changes in the enviroment can produce many changes in mother nature...including adapting to ones surrounding to survive...hence the bigfoot!!!

'Life on Mars' explained

cloe Smitt, austin, TX — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:30:02 GMT

Sorry but alot of folks don't believe you. If these features were so common on Mars then you would have provided them as proof which you did not. Wind can make interesting landforms but wind can not pigment the landform as is seen on the image and not the crappy one shown here. It may not be anything living but the explanation given here is the usual dry, generic one given when the so-called experts have no clue. Good try.

'Life on Mars' explained

Matthew Grant — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:31:25 GMT

I find it odd that most of the people who write this off right away and have some ignorant comment for the people who don't are mostly from Texas.

'Life on Mars' explained

Doug Eaton, Key West, Florida — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:35:01 GMT

As usual, there is a group of people who need to believe in UFOs, martian intelligent life, Virgin Mary citings, etc. The question is not whether one believes, but rather, what is the scientific evidence these things are "real". The answer is - not very good.
But of course then there will be the group that says this approach is just a cover-up. There is no evidence that will change their minds because of their need to believe. For them, evidence or lack of it is irrelevant.

'Life on Mars' explained

Maryte Lilly — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:35:27 GMT

Maybe yes, most probably not, however, wouldn't be too presumptuous for us tho think we are alone in this infinite universe? Didn't Daniel come from the sky in a charriot of fire? and he tasted so bad that even the lions did not want to eat him.......

'Life on Mars' explained

Lizeta A. MD — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:42:47 GMT

wow! when i first saw the picture i was amazed i have to look on sciene pages for homework but this just blew me away!! its really really cool

'Life on Mars' explained

Paul J. Iron Mountain, Mi — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:50:16 GMT

Art Bell could do a weeks worth late night talk on this picture!

'Life on Mars' explained

Aniah PA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:54:36 GMT

HI i am a 12 year old girl that is doing a homework assinment about the recently things happening around the wourld,I heard this on the news but i thought they were crazy,But after i read this i truly think that there is something else up there then rover.Scientist are getting more advanced at these things and well they just intrest me so much!!! Keep up all the good work!!

'Life on Mars' explained

Aniah PA,STATE — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:00:42 GMT

Hi its me again, well forgot something. About the photo up in the corner where this amazing story happens is one very intresting thing. It looks to me that there is a little figure thats black of something but maybe to small to be a human or even alien! But i notice something and i would like to know more about it.As you look very closely there is as it looks like a human or alien. My sister said it might just be rover but i said thats not what rover looks like,Its not in the shape of human and you would tell better,this picture is one scary but very intresting to me!! Keep up all this good work and maybe could you take a closier look at the shadow??

'Life on Mars' explained

Louis Snyder, Houston, TX — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:04:34 GMT

So it looks like a sasquach only in minature. The probability of life out there seems pretty high, but in our neighborhood is very, very unlikely. Maybe a life system somewhere beneath the surface, but so far no trace of it. At one time good scientist thought they saw canals on Mars, but better optics showed them to be mistaken.

If there is like elsewhere it likely is so far as to defy travel between worlds. Even at the speed of light the time to travel between worlds is almost certainly prohibitative unless some where life times are much, much longer.

Meanwhile down here we are still chasing alien abduction nonsense. Of all the possible explanations of unidentified flying objects alien space saucers is a very big stretch. Granted something may be showing up we simply don't yet understand. The possiblities are many but intelligent life forms is just not at all likely. My question is why would a higher intelligence choose the folks that it chooses? It is not like Albert Einstein or Dr. Livingstone was abducted. No, it turns out to be Joe Bob and his buddies.

Give us a break!

'Life on Mars' explained

Sheri, Orlando, FL — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:23:16 GMT

Lets bring him to earth so he can suffer like the rest of us!

'Life on Mars' explained

Toby Miller, Bakersfield, California — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:29:17 GMT

I personally dont think that wind could have sculpted a rock to that shape i dont know what it is but its not a sculpted rock made by wind

'Life on Mars' explained

J. Taylor Eden, NC — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:37:59 GMT

Truth is, we don't know what is really out there. Who can say the actual size for sure?

'Life on Mars' explained

william lalonde, beatletown utah — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:56:53 GMT

Our sun is a very remote outpost in the milky way as compared to other suns that are on average much closer to other suns. Most likely, intelligent life has already visited intelligent life in their regions.

'Life on Mars' explained

Earl ---Port St Lucie Florida — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:08:54 GMT

"The little Mermaid on Mars'--I am so happy this mystery have finally been solved---for years we citizen of Copenhagen thought it was student's from university of Copenhagen that stole the little mermaid---and all along it was actually the Martians---shame -shame on you little trols!

'Life on Mars' explained

John Doe — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:33:08 GMT

Wouldn't it be fantastic if one day during our lifetime we are visited..............

'Life on Mars' explained

Barney, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:35:40 GMT

If you look closely you'll distinctly see a bearded figure - yes! - we finally found osama bin laden!

'Life on Mars' explained

karan, NV — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:38:02 GMT

I think the FED's are trying to distract the attention of the public from foreclosures and the economy.... they want to distract people's attention with all this crap.. So whats next... new case against some celebrity or smoething like that... what bull shit...

'Life on Mars' explained

john, atlanta, georgia — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:54:32 GMT

With so much science to be gleaned from the work of these wonderful little rovers, why is it that only controversy like this can gain such impassioned attention? Still, any attention is better than none. I do wish that specifically we could go out of our way to visit the "face on mars" or to go back to this little example of alien wind art in order to get us all on the same page. While we're at it, lets hold an open house at Area 51. The lack of full transparency on some of these issues irritates me as much as the ridiculous conspiricy theories. Part of what fuels these theories is simply poor communication between the people who ask the questions and the people who know the answers.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jane Doe,Very Small Town, WA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:56:58 GMT

I see something else! Click on the stero picture link, then enlarge it. What are the lines on the RIGHT of the picture? They look like a road, or something man made.They are symetrical and don't tell me the Rover did that or that the wind blows out even straight lines either. The Rover has tracks! Any thoughts out there?

'Life on Mars' explained

RJ, Salem, OR — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:21:55 GMT

The burden of proof is on the conspiracy theorists. It just doesn't work to say that it is an alien sculpture and then assume everyone should buy into that. The explanations that NASA puts forth make sense and similar phenomena can be observed all over Earth. Until a more plausible theory comes along that's it.

As for the argument that there are billions and billions (indeed countless) stars and solar systems out there and SURELY there is life other than ours in the universe; maybe so, but isn't it a tad improbable that among all those possibilities, it would be found right next to our planet? And that this alien life might look like us, somehow? That would be like finding two identical grains of sand lying next to each other at the beach.

We may find something someday, but folks, EVERY odd looking thing we find doesn't point right at aliens.

'Life on Mars' explained

Amy Memphis,TN — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:31:40 GMT

Why would only the part of the rock that forms the hand and arm be skin colored? And only the hair be hair colored? No other rock in the entire picture changes color abruptly horizontally. And it, by no length of the imagination, appears to be sitting on the larger rock or be a part of it. There is a drop-off at the large rock and the figure rises from the slope beyond it. You can clearly see that this is a gradient forming a bowl. The entire line of rocks forms a drop-off point that steepens as it extends toward the left. Notice how the light is hitting all of the other rocks, look at where the shadows lie. Look at the shadows on the figure. Notice how the wind shear has leveled all the other rocks flat. Notice the figure is rounded toward the center, as you can see by where the light hits it. Both of the other things circled in this pic

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a197/dotcosm/PIA10214circles.jpg

appear to me to be rocks. The picture appears to be a panoramic shot that captures the view for several miles. If this picture is from the base of the rover and is only of the ground a few feet ahead of it, then we are wasting a colossal amount of money being there at all.

'Life on Mars' explained

Taylor Koch — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:35:40 GMT

The image should be perfectly obvious to any american man over the age of 40: Some little boy martian set up his martian army men in the sand to shoot them with his Red Planet Rider BB gun, duh.

'Life on Mars' explained

Chad Bailey, Ocala, FL. — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:48:12 GMT

This is just an image of Britney Spears trying to hide from the Paparazzi - though I hear they have offices on Mars now so she better watch it. On a more serious note, this can only be a natural formation. It would be very easy to verify this by checking the image from day to day - if it doesn't move or change at all - what else can it be, really? A Martian trying to set a world record for sitting in one place the longest time? And the virgin Mary? Please - it's absolutely laughable how some people can't talk about ANYTHING without attributing some nonsense to religion or God. Get real.

'Life on Mars' explained

Levi Spigelmyer, McClure, Pennsylvania — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:53:20 GMT

when I first saw this picture the first thing i thought of was a tusken raider from StarWars episode 4 when luke gets attacked. a still taken and blured to hide identity

'Life on Mars' explained

Loren, SF Bay Area, CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:01:37 GMT

Is Spirit still in the area? Would a return visit be possible? Regardless of what it is...it would be nice to get more evidence, and maybe *know* what they've seen.

'Life on Mars' explained

Thrashers frenchfries rule, Baltimore, MD — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:03:18 GMT

When I first saw this picture, I thought to myself "wow. This looks like a rock carved into this shape by wind." and then I read this. Guess I'm good at guessing? Also, there's no life on Mars. If there was, there'd be some sort of credible proof instead of a 2-inch rock. Not mocking anybody's beliefs, but there'd be ruins or something more left over.

'Life on Mars' explained

Mona, San Fransisco, CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:05:34 GMT

I dont think it matters whether its a real picture of real human life on Mars, because we dont have pictures of God to know he/she exists right. Seeing istn beleiving, and its about time NASA and governments tell people the truth about alien life on other planets with all the sightings going on and stuff.

'Life on Mars' explained

K Dorr — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:28:31 GMT

YAWN!

'Life on Mars' explained

John Erickson, Mill City, Oregon — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:33:01 GMT

There is hopefully intelligent life somewhere in the universe. There isn't any sign of "intelligence" on the third planet from Sol. That is, if the condition of the human life is any indicator...wars, social injustice, intolerance....nope, no intelligence there.

'Life on Mars' explained

JasonRoll, Indianapolis,IN — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:34:25 GMT

Even though I would love to believe that it is an alien life form, in my opinion I think that it is just a rock. If this was an alien taking an afternoon stroll through the country side, then all they had to do was take another shot of the same spot. If it was an alien then it should have been gone on the next shot, or at least in a different pose. If NASA truly had any interest in this subject (with it being the possibility of a large alien life form) I think they would have investigated the matter further to go after more compelling evidence. As it is right now, I think it's just a cool photo that happens to catch a trick of light that they know will get them some attention. Which is not a bad thing, I think more people should support NASA or their own space program.

Remember here on Earth a long time a go when a volcano erupted. Hundreds of people we caught in a sudden lava flow. The lava hardened around their bodies, eventually they decayed. However the shape of their body was permanently cast inside that lava. When found, all researches had to do was pour plaster into that cast and when it hardened, they seen the exact pose that that person had died in. Some were mother holding their babies. I think kind of situation could also be possible. This really does need more in depth investigation.

But most likely, it's just some cool looking wind shaped rocks :(

'Life on Mars' explained

John Erickson, Mill City, Oregon — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:38:38 GMT

Oh, yeah, and where is all this wind coming from? I thought there was no atmosphere to speak of on Mars? I was told by the "establishment" it's too thin of an atmosphere. Now all of a sudden there is so much of it it can carve rocks? Please, we'll never get a straight answer from liars. Space should be explored by the Private Sector also, and then we may get some straight answers when someone else can stride up to the podium and set the record straight for once.

'Life on Mars' explained

Rodney, Trussville, Alabama — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:01:26 GMT

Yes this is environmentally created...
As for Gov. info:
No, they would not tell us if there was any proven information in reguards to life elsewhere. How could they tell us the truth, the majority couldn't handle the truth.
But, those that preferred science over recess know that there is other life out there. More than likely too far to communicate, but it's out there.
We are still gathering information about our own solar system. We haven't even touched the surface of our own galaxy (and the billions of stars in it with planets orbiting them). Now add the unknown amount of other galaxies, with stars, with planets. It's crazy to think we are alone.
If you take a back, and think about it, we are still in an adolesants. The majority would rather believe something learned growing up, than something scientificaly proven.
Pluto is not a planet, the Giants will beat the Patriots, and we are not alone!!!
Looking up and out,
Rodney...
:-)

'Life on Mars' explained

felo dover nj — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:30:01 GMT

People see what they want to see.

'Life on Mars' explained

Tyler, West Point, Utah — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:30:43 GMT

I don't think the wind could erode something that detailed. I mean, I know the climate and weather conditions are different on Mars, but seriously? I'm not really a skeptic, but this makes me think.

'Life on Mars' explained

Gina, Oklahoma City, OK — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:41:11 GMT

Um, aren't we the aliens on Mars?

'Life on Mars' explained

Queenslander, Australia — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:48:51 GMT

It's just a sharp pointed rock. The 'alien' simply looks like the shadowed side of the rock. The sunlit side on the left is a bit fuzzy but it's there. The 'extended arm' is just another rock shadow from the background coincidentaly aligned.
I'll only believe if the Mars rovers shows up something like USA's Mount Rushmore.
Or if the Martians start selling souveniers to Texans.

'Life on Mars' explained

Kevin Wotipka, Abbeville, La — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:02:05 GMT

Why didn't Spirit Rover take a closer look?

'Life on Mars' explained

E. Fig — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:09:57 GMT

Bigfoot has already been to mars?

'Life on Mars' explained

Vishu Belgaum Karnataka — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:15:31 GMT

This may not be true because it might be due to the optical images produced by the wind effects. It is only an image formed there can be such many type of images formed. There is no evidence how clearely it is an women..By declaring only image formed on the MARS cannot be a birth of women on the planet. According to me its contaminent to say that its evidence for it as too it can be an optical image caused due to wind....!

This was a comment from my side Sir.

Thank u Sir.

'Life on Mars' explained

Rolf Harriss, Buena Vista GA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:21:40 GMT

If Anything I Think a "Wind Carved Rock" would be an Excellent collectable. It would Be Unlike any other, for the Wind is much different there & the Sand it raises.

'Life on Mars' explained

John Hart, Portland, Oregon — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:56:11 GMT

YEAH BOI!!! This is cool stuff

'Life on Mars' explained

Austin Crowell — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:02:22 GMT

I believe that this could simply be the work of the government hiding us for things "for our own good". Like the ufo sightings in Texas. I heard the air force simply called it some of their jets. Still makin my own speculations but not entirely sure yet.

'Life on Mars' explained

Big_D, Vancouver, Wa — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:48:37 GMT

Looks like this object is a simple simulacra, another to add to the big list of unidentified objects being photographed on Mars. We will never know for sure until it is actually seen/studied first-hand by the first Marsonauts.

What is truly remarkable in all of this is that Humans can not help having the natural tendency to see humanoid features where none exist. :)

'Life on Mars' explained

A. Nonymous Denver CO — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:48:42 GMT

This morning, my fiance' was looking at the picture and I glanced from it across the room and asked her, 'what is that? Bigfoot on Mars?' we both got a good laugh at it.

'Life on Mars' explained

ibanks, Seattle, WA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:54:01 GMT

Well, it is dang interesting.

With the higher rez image pointered to by E-Z-B, I can't quite see the "sculpture" in it anymore. But, with exposé, encrusting by mineral deposition is known to conceal underlying feature detail. Especially if submerged for any length of time. As is observed, terrestrially.

I wanted to point out about three other interesting tidbits.

1. It is equally curious to me, that a navigator of the rover might see this image and then just drive off. If it were me at the stick, seeing this thing would have made me divert from the agenda... screw my supervisor.

2. Notice the shade and hue of the surrounding media, and then the object itself. Clearly, a different material than the prevailing. Also, see the (cobalt?) blue dusting toward the bottom of the object, not as consistent on the top. {or is it copper ore and badly RGB'd?} Where did this lesser common material come from?
All in all, it looks like Obsidian to me.
On Earth, the artists of early civilizations would drag more interesting material for their works from hundreds or thousands of miles away, just to add a little "Flair" to the finished piece at its ultimate destination.

3. JUST below the 'sculptured' figure, is an irrationally well proportioned 'inverted "tilde'" Looks altogether to me, like an hieroglyph, Maybe a demonstrative mark of fluid nature. A symbol for Water...

'Life on Mars' explained

Dorthy — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:56:33 GMT

Of course there is life on other planets. And to who ever it was who said evidence of life on other planets would rec havoc on religious believers, I would have to say that it would only confirm that the universe is created by an intellegent being. As for life on mars, I don't know. Is this a rock I don't think so, maybe several rocks at different distances from just the right angle. Maybe it is something more. But definitely this is a big universe and I don't think God created all those stars just so we have something pretty to look at. There are other worlds with God's children on them.

'Life on Mars' explained

JB in Pa — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:02:19 GMT

I believe in "visitors." They stop by my place frequently. They trust that I will not "give them up" They are friendly. They don't wish to hurt us. They are only looking for ways to help their species survive. All they need are a few samples for scientific research. Anyone willing to donate? Just email me at jbwhseman@yahoo.com. I'll send ya info on how to apply. They trust us. Why can't we tust them?

'Life on Mars' explained

Ron Bennett — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:34:19 GMT

We discussed the Martian Sasquatch image that was shown on TV back in 2004 on a blog with many other fossilized looking rocks at the Spirit Landing site. Amazingly all the fossil looking rocks we saw in the last four years thus far developed from the Mars Exploratory Rovers, MER, raw images at (http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/spirit.html ) were mostly located around its landing site - kind of a Martian graveyard of fossil looking rocks. Attached is a skeleton looking rock on Mars in lower right of the image .

http://uplink.space.com/attachments//
25786-Timy-and-friends-2P13108521.jpg

Another fully petrified look at another Sasquatch looking rock is here:

http://members.cox.net/skyclimbers/2P130014475EL5M1.9.jpg

Here are some more links of color images from Spirit and Opportunities rovers developed from the MER JPL raw images, have fun…

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=sciastro&
Number=1358&page=18&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=12&vc=1

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=sciastro&
Number=381751&page=4&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=1

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=sciastro&
Number=347015&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=sciastro&
Number=1358&page=18&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=1&vc=1

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=sciastro&
Number=137121&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=1&vc=1

http://shineinnovations.com/new_page_8.htm

'Life on Mars' explained

caleb hastings, roseburg, Oregon — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:09:25 GMT

my question is WHY are we looking at something TWO INCHES BIG without using this better technology to explore already enigmatic areas identified by a scale of this figure's detail covering TWO MILES? i mean, if our technology is so much better that we see this thing in a two inch area, where before we had less than 1/1000th this detail, why are we still only going after random samples? is it so important to use the speculation of our world's scientists to disprove things that can easily be observed and proven or disproven with their actual existence a few years later?

'Life on Mars' explained

A, Denver — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:57:36 GMT

I don't understand, it must be magic!

'Life on Mars' explained

John H, Kansas City, MO — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:16:45 GMT

When I first saw this on TV out of the corner of my eye I laughed so hard! Yes, it would be cool if they could just backtrack the rover but remember these photos were taken "last November". Is that 2007 or '06? That's a long way to backtrack. That's a lot of expense and lost new science, mapping etc., just for a good close up at a curious looking rock.

'Life on Mars' explained

Rodger, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:58:54 GMT

I want to beleive. I think this is the best comment that can be made to this picture.
I dismiss the last post that says the 'rock is too small to be an alien life form' as who are we humans to say what size aliens might be..
it is only when all probable explinations are eliminated that we should start waving the alien flag. although in this case as it looked 'humanoid' it is fair to think ' oh crap we're not alone' at least for the first 30 seconds.

'Life on Mars' explained

Marvin, Space Jam, Mars — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:55:07 GMT

I think it looks like jesus Maybe NASA should put it up on eBay

'Life on Mars' explained

Vic — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:55:52 GMT

No one has mentioned the green patch just below the mountain peak which apears to be shallow water. (About the 3/4 mark horizontally along the image at the top)

'Life on Mars' explained

David Nelson, Mumbai, India — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:05:06 GMT

Of course there's life out there. People who say we are alone cannot be taken seriously. But this Mars game playing with 2D photos is just a bit wierd -- peole need ot get a life. I am sure the Scientific Team is doing proper scrutiny of the photos, and input from the dubious side of the press or from well-intentioned but hopelessly ill-equipped individuals is a distraction at best. I am confident remnanants of former Martian life will be found, and perhaps even live examples, but these rovers, as spectacularly successful as they are, simply would be courting an astronomical long shot to find some artifact suggesting life or artificial origin up there. I'd stake my bets on earth-like planets light years distant -- the life signatures from atmospheric analysis of these small rocky worlds would be more convincing to me, and we shoud have the capability to find them sooner than anything live or formerly live on Mars comes up. Pity we don't have a photo of the same patch of land from another angle to shut everyone up.

'Life on Mars' explained

U.L. — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:31:37 GMT

in the pic the "mermaid" looks like its thinking....hmm, something has to be done with this place.

'Life on Mars' explained

Brian McCarty, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:57:54 GMT

Your eyes do not deceive you. . . its all in how your brain perceives the data that your eyes deliver. Something to think about.

'Life on Mars' explained

John Fredericks — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:08:51 GMT

If it is a living creature it would have to be a very tiny one.

'Life on Mars' explained

john, Reality — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:37:25 GMT

im sorry... its a rock.

albiet it looks like a mermaid.. but comon.. do you see any water around?

not to mention that mermaids are not, specificly, a proven form of life on ANY planet.

'Life on Mars' explained

Russ, Ashland, Wis — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:39:20 GMT

So we are looking for mermaids on Mars....
Good thing to spend billions of dollars on..
Way to go!!

'Life on Mars' explained

Someone In Philadelphia PA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:17:54 GMT

It's really bigfoot!, look at the "Patterson Bigfoot" still

'Life on Mars' explained

Randall Roberts, Winooski, Vermont — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:36:27 GMT

It amazes me that so many people are making pronouncements that the object cannot be this,that, or the other. The truth is we don't even know for sure all of the types of life to be found here on Earth. The vast majority of Earth is still unexplored and underwater. There are still areas of landmass that have never seen a human being. We have no real idea of the flora and fauna that might be found there. All who say that this definitely cannot be a being of some sort have never seen the picture of the naturally mummified 18 inch high man found when some miners blasted out the face of a cliff here in the US. He was a fully formed adult male- not a dwarf or midget (an X-ray proved that). I have a picture of him on my wall as a reminder to keep my mind open to possibilities. I won't even get into the subject of the race of giants whose skeletons are occasionally found. The Smithsonian should have several examples of them but they always seem to disappear for one reason or another, probably dumped into the ocean along with other unwanted and difficult to explain objects(yes they actually did that!) To sum up- there is more to the heavens and the earth than we can imagine. That may just be a rock formation, but when we see something like that that is so unusual, we should definitely go close to examine it. When it gets ignored it leaves all possibilities open as truth. Knowing that NASA definitely altered photos of the Mars face (altered coloring, lighting, shading, and shadowing) before releasing them to the public in order to bolster their claims that it was a natural formation, only showed me they are not to be trusted. The same with this photo- I don't trust their word now. Lets all keep in mind that NASA is really a military operation and their regulations state any possible indications of extra-terrestrial life are to be hidden from the general population so we don't "panic". Their protestations of openness ring very hollow when you can't get a moon photo of an anomalous area without it being tampered with. Trust them at your own risk of looking foolish when the truth comes out.

'Life on Mars' explained

Sarah, Pa — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:42:17 GMT

You stereotypical people do realize that the Extraterrestrials are most likely going to look different than the human race right? Many people seem to forget that a certain path in evolution made us appear the way we do today. Had that path deviated we would have looked totally different. Perhaps this odd looking figure is in fact a result of a different evolution? Or perhaps of da ifferent substance all together? Perhaps evolution on other planets required the organisms to survive on carbon dioxide? We have no way to verify or disprove this. But we see the many different creatures on earth and/or the past creatures that were present...What makes you so sure this wasn't another being? We have some pretty strange animals here already!

On top of things, do all of you really think that if "aliens" from distance planets were verified from Nasa/Government that society would not be upheavaled? MOst people would not be able to handle the thought without panic. And as said above, most of religion would be thrown out the door. As the reader, how would you feel about potential other life forms? Would you always have that fear in the back of your head of a possible event of alien, predator, or the newest cloverfield? Think about it! Hysteria in mass quantities would not be what the governments would want.....

'Life on Mars' explained

Steven F Durst, Bayard WV — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:43:57 GMT

Lot's wife, bigfoot,mermaid....All of us each one of us has looked into the sky and seen every shape immaginable in the clouds as they drift by. There will be people who will never be convinced of anything less than a person sitting or walking or in some moment of movement, in the picture. I say let them enjoy their fanciful thoughts. There is enough harsh reality right here on planet earth to occupy all the "serious" thinkers.

'Life on Mars' explained

lala johns, Philadelphia, Pennsylvanai — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:46:01 GMT

I don't belive that this is any living thing but, I do belive that there is other life out there

'Life on Mars' explained

Sarah, Pa — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:48:48 GMT

By the way, is that figure still there? Is there anywas to find out? Or perhaps pictures taken on a different day?

'Life on Mars' explained

matt — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:03:15 GMT

Why hasnt the rover investigated more on this?

'Life on Mars' explained

Chickenoodle, Northern Virginia — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:08:14 GMT

For those who are skeptical of natural rock formations taking on shapes we can easily identify with: There are most likely Billions of rocks on Mars... why is it so hard to believe that this could be a natural formation? What about the 'Old Man of the Mountain' in New Hampshire? What about the plethora of 'alien-like' rock formations you'll find in the South-West deserts? What about the natural bridges or breath-taking structures we find in Caverns? With all said, is it really that unusual that the same physical properties which carve and sand-blast our planet would exist on another planet where stone and wind exist?

'Life on Mars' explained

dave, saint louis — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:30:02 GMT

ironic that the rover may be drilling tiny holes in rocks to look for microscopic life yet 100 feet away is finely detailed alien sculpture----that's the unfortunate mindset of our "science" with regard to these possibilities though---amazing--heck the rovers only move a foot a day-and NASA knows in fine detail where this thing is- lets put the rover at the base of it and see what is---then everybody that looks like an alien loving crackpot will shut up or.....

'Life on Mars' explained

Scott Bateman, Machesney Park, IL — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:32:45 GMT

people see what they want to see. pure and simple. they believe what they want to believe as well. so if they want to see an alien rock as a sculpture from other-world aliens, then they will believe they do. when my girlfriend told me about this, i laughed almost hysterically. i asked her "Did they find the spaceship too?". she didn't find it funny, until i told her about the high improbability of it being what people were saying it was. (think a bit deeper people, it might save your life some day).

'Life on Mars' explained

MIKE,TEHRANI/RICHMONDHILL/GEORGIA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:40:49 GMT

EVERTY TIME WE GET PICTURE OF SOME SORT WE CAN'T GET
CLOSE UP SO CAN IDENIFY THE SUBJECT WHY,MAY BE THEY DON'T WANT US TO FIND OUT THERE SOMETHING OUT THERE
AND I BELIVE THERE IS.

'Life on Mars' explained

Barb Gambetti, Rhinelander, WI — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:48:57 GMT

Why do we automatically assume that life on other planets will be exactly like ours. Who's to say that life somewhere else was "built" to sustain the conditions on a particular planet. Maybe water isn't a necessity to other beings. How did humans get to be so close-minded?

'Life on Mars' explained

sean, wilmington de — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:49:38 GMT

If jesus can be found on a grilled cheese sandwich, or on a tree stump, then a mermaid can be found on mars.
All hail the 3 inch mermaid !!! I hate seeing space discoveries exploited like this. But even the Jerry Springer crowd needs a reason to watch the news.

'Life on Mars' explained

walter craig — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:57:50 GMT

did anyone notice that the rock formations from the wind are cut differently (opposite direction than this figure)just my observation.

'Life on Mars' explained

Tom Carter — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:42:31 GMT

Actually it reminded me of a crab shell. Imagine having to identify a hermit crab with a very funky, dirty shell that's tucked into it's shell from a grainy still picture...

Barring hermit crabs colonizing mars it's still a cool rock structure. Though honestly if I were going to be a small creature on mars I think a shell would be a good idea or maybe burrowing. The lack of a visible food source isn't that big of a deal, I mean look at the dunes of the sahara, things live there and it'd be very tough to find living things there from still photos.

I really wish that NASA would (could?) do a time lapse sequence from mars, I think that would just be very cool. (maybe the mermaid would move?!? hehe)

'Life on Mars' explained

gmc — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:05:04 GMT

Cloud there have been humanoid type life millions of years ago on mars?Maybe this was one of them that got petrified such as the people of pompei.Those figures from the pompei volcano eruption will be here for millions of years.it is plausable.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jim, USA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:09:32 GMT

I'm not saying this 'is' an alien being, but who's to say that an alien couldn't be 2 inches tall? Have you ever met an alien? LOL

'Life on Mars' explained

WC Worth — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:18:20 GMT

The next thing to do is send a Mars rover to Washington D.C. and see if there's life there. If there is, I hope it's intelligent...

'Life on Mars' explained

Justin Lewis, Chesapeake, VA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:32:23 GMT

Lol. If there was actually someone on the planet mars... wouldn't you think that there would be a few hundred others at least?

'Life on Mars' explained

Garth Powell, Colorado Springs, Colorado — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:45:19 GMT

Over the years, staring up at textured ceilings and other complex shapes, I have recognized literally hundreds of images that looked like human faces. Isn't it amazing how humans get shrunk to postage stamp size and stuck in ceilings, and then disappear when the lighting changes?

'Life on Mars' explained

Glenn, Woodstock, NY — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:45:46 GMT

Please read the article on the following link before judgeing whether there's a conspiracy or not...
http://www.grahamhancock.com/forum/HoaglandR1.php
and keep an open mind...

'Life on Mars' explained

anom — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:49:57 GMT

it looks like an aboriginal sittin on some rocks in outback queensland

'Life on Mars' explained

James Gordon Camp Pendleton Ca — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:55:19 GMT

We need to start spending money on programs that actually help and boost our economy than spending money on something that won't help the gas prices unless this super high speed alien knows how to make cheap gasoline.

'Life on Mars' explained

Charlie: Willow Spring, NC — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:00:22 GMT

Cute! But everyone knows that aliens are grey, have large heads, spindley arms and legs, and huge black eyes. Why would we expect to find a human like form anywhere in the universe? OK, humans are all over the cosmos in Star Trek and Star Wars. But really, that is just scifi. We must stick to the premis that aliens are as described above.

'Life on Mars' explained

JDT, Everett, wa — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:09:10 GMT

Could be a lot of things, maybe a chunk of nickel-iron meteorite that was pre-shaped by it's passage thru the martian atmosphere. Those tend to be darkish items to start with, once any oxidation gets started. And they're not going to erode the same way as what looks like the sand-stone-ish stuff in the forground.
A lilliputian person? ya think? I don't.

'Life on Mars' explained

Common sense, Not found on this earth — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:17:49 GMT

I guess all you people believe that these "beings" live below the ground on Mars? Hence the lack of anything but dirt around?

I too believe in the possibility of another planet with life, but if people are gonna react like this everytime they see a shadow in a photo then we'll never get anywhere.

We'll only start discovering things once we start taking a good look around other galaxies.

'Life on Mars' explained

aubrey caesar,hyderabad,india — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:37:33 GMT

is spirit rover still operational?how long does it take for the spacecraft to beam back images to earth?some more images should be sent back to nasa station,by this we would know if the object has moved from its prior location on mars.if it has,then the object could be considered a living creature

'Life on Mars' explained

Randy Texas — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:00:54 GMT

I would like to see all the pictures taken by each rover made into a streaming video. I think it would make great viewing! But it would also show if there are missing shots being held back by NASA for what ever reason.

'Life on Mars' explained

Mathew, Indianapolis, IN — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:04:39 GMT

NASA and the government have been withholding information from the american people regarding Alien life and UFO's. I think if we knew the truth it may make us feel better as a society to know that there is more to the universe than just us.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jim, Deptford, NJ — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:13:11 GMT

Anybody can see that that is the Mermartian statue that stood in front of the main Mars/Earth spaceport. The one that offered the most direct flights to the Nazca Plains spaceport that the Egyptians and Mayans used 10,000 years ago.

Wait a second. I have to take my meds

Now where was I? Oh, yeah. That is a rock eroded by wind.

'Life on Mars' explained

sachin — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:17:18 GMT

energy manifests in different forms- human or otherwise-be it earth, mars,elsewhere. 12 suns and solar systems-replication of mirror images- when concept of time attains diminutive proportions as energy releases,result simultaneous manifestations in multiple locations (as stated in many religious texts of saints doing so)--hence as much as it seems to be a hoax can very much be a reality-

'Life on Mars' explained

E Anderson Jackson MS — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:17:40 GMT

Why is it so hard to bleive that there could be other forms of life in our universe?

'Life on Mars' explained

Arbitas, Idaho — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:32:01 GMT

Greg of Missouri is right, but I fear the actual death toll of martian aliens is far higher than first thought. This 2-inch statue is actually the size of Mount Rushmore to those people. I can only shudder at the thought of the carnage... the horror

'Life on Mars' explained

Tom M., West Bloomfield, MI — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:37:14 GMT

If you look closely in the foreground on the left side it appears there is a turtle. In the right foreground there arrears to be the head and upper body of a small elephant.

'Life on Mars' explained

ayda, london, england — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:45:17 GMT

so they say that the sculpture was created by wind eroding the rocks, lets say that this is true for this sculpture as it is only supposed to be 2 inches but didn't they say that they had found signs of water on the surface doesn't this show that some sort of life might be true. what about the planets that have not been researched properly. there are so many planets and solar systems out there that the likely hood that we are the only signs of life in the universe seems highly unlikely to me. there must be more life out there that we simply have not discovered or life that has not discovered us yet.

'Life on Mars' explained

rhett g, selby, south dakota — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:46:22 GMT

i think its really a person or creature, it has to be. U can see the arm streched out in front of it. I believe there is life up there, we need more evidence though.

'Life on Mars' explained

Hayden Waller, Hailey, Idaho — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:50:29 GMT

It would not surprise me in the slightest to learn that not only our government but most world governments have been hiding the existence of alien life from us for generations. There are far too many really lame government cover-ups surrounding UFOs and related phenomenon, such as abductions. Either aliens have been and are still visiting earth, or our own government is responsible for kidnapping and removing babies from the stomachs of pregnant women all over the world...

As far as this picture goes, I do not think it is an image of a being itself, but a carved rock or sculpture seems very very probable. We won't ever know for sure until we get our lazy butts off this planet and colonize the inner, and later outer solar system... the first step on the path to full galactic colonization.

'Life on Mars' explained

Wiley Robinson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:02:52 GMT

Best one I ever saw was a cartoom where the rover snapped a picture of a Starbucks cup laying in the dust on mars. Now that would make me belive in life on mars (or at least capitalism).

'Life on Mars' explained

James Hoffman, Ishpeming, Michigan — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:10:27 GMT

it's probally just a rock formation formed by winds blowing sand over the rocks and erosion

'Life on Mars' explained

MR New York, NY — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:13:32 GMT

Why don't we get confirmation that the 'pyramids on Mars' are real or a fake?

This is a cluster of objects with straight lines on the Plains of Cydona...many experts belive that these non-fractal shapes could not have been formed naturally.

'Life on Mars' explained

Cristian, Sydney , NSW , Australia — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:15:00 GMT

Its looks the wind of Mars is the best sculptor in the history.
First the "Face" and now the "Marmeid"??.
I hope I can go to Mars to admire the open museum in a few more years.
A lot of things the "scientist" can not see it, because they are narrow minded. They only belief what they can do in the Labs..Shame on them when the true will be uncovered. I'm sure of that.We are not alone in this inmense universe. "The alien life" is already with us and they are not interested in communicate with us. They do not think like us.

'Life on Mars' explained

Wiley Robinson El Paso TX — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:16:47 GMT

Well after reading all this I don't understand why everyone wants to look for intelligent life on Mars, there's not much of it here on Earth...

'Life on Mars' explained

Richard, Baltimore — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:17:57 GMT

I think it looks alot like Dennis Kucinich's wife. Coming from Mars may explain her red hair. Maybe Dennis commissioned an Alien to do the sculpture.

'Life on Mars' explained

Peter Soki, Pécs, Hungary — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:25:12 GMT

Really I believe that on the Mars there was life, maybe well developed culture, but a long long time ago, before the life started on the Earth, before the Mars's climate changed. Do you remember the "Mars face" rock? I think that could be originally from martians, becouse from that time (million years)ago the Face could be destroyed by the erosion on the Mars, how the later cleaner Nasa picture show us.

'Life on Mars' explained

chris callen,kingston jamaica — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:32:01 GMT

WE ARE WITH SPACE TRAVEL WHERE COLUMBUS WAS WITH HIS DREAM OF FINDING A WESTWARD PASSAGE TO THE EAST.THE DIFFERENCE IS HE HAD THE WILL AND WE ARE LIKE CHILDREN JUST TIPPING OUR TOES IN THE WATER AFRAID TO TAKE THE PLUNGE...THE PLANETS ARE RICH IN MINERALS AND COMPOUNDS THAT ARE VERY VALUABLE SO INSTEAD OF RIPPING UP OUR HOME WORLD WHY NOT MINE THESE WORLDS FOR OUR BENEFIT...OR LIKE SO MANY OF OUR SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENTS MAYBE WE NEED TO FIND SOMEONE TO GO TO WAR WITH IN ORDER TO TAKE THE PLUNGE.WE NEED TO STOP LOOKING AT VAGUE ROCK FORMATIONS AND GET OUT THERE...WE NEED TO START TRAINING OUR BRIGHTEST MINDS FOR THIS TASK AND NOT JUST A FEW NASA SELECTEES....SORRY FOLKS WE ARE DEFINITELY NOT ALONE!THATS WHAT COLUMBUS FOUND OUT WHEN HE VENTURED OUT THERE

'Life on Mars' explained

Jeff, Edison, NJ — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:41:58 GMT

Hello, is anyone home? ...there's no direct or obvious signs of life on Mars. That doesn't mean no bacteria exist or ever existed on Mars, but there are no alien sculptors. No 2 inch mermaids either! LOL. Also, Nasa is not concealing evidence of life on Mars or anywhere else in the solar system. Nasa is in a perpetual fight for funding and real signs of life would be a pretty darn good justification for a budget increase, as well as assurance of a manned mission to Mars.

Also, as Louis Snyder correctly points out, the cosmic speed limit (i.e., the speed of light) makes it highly unlikely that any aliens have visited Earth ever, let alone several times a year to mutilate cows and abduct random locals. This is conspiracy theory nuttiness. Life almost certainly exists in abundance elsewhere in our galaxy, but unfortunately the galaxy is vast and the time and energy involved in visiting other solar systems is non trivial...even if you are lucky enough to be part of a super advanced civilization.

If folks spent more time learning about the real wonders of our universe they might find it more interesting than these fantasies about UFOs and alien artifacts on Mars.

'Life on Mars' explained

Belu Lub — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:43:52 GMT

Since earth was created it took millions of years for man to appear, at the same time we were busy destroying mars.
Once mars was like earth and we destroyed it through global warming and now we are doing the some to earth. Unfortunately we do not have another earth migrate to.
When man will finally get to mars and start digging then you will find our past just like the dinosaurs and the rest. Remember it took just some thousand of years for the pyramid and other past civilisation to disappear and we are still digging to understand.
You all should not worry, we are from mars, we did there to destroy it and we are repeating it here.

'Life on Mars' explained

chris callen,kingston jamaica — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:45:59 GMT

LOOKING AT ROCKS AND SPECULATING IS FUN BUT USELESS..WE NEED TO BE OUT THERE AND NOT WITH ROBOTS.STARTREK IS A GOOD BLUE PRINT FOR WHERE WE SHOULD BE AT WITH AN INTERNATIONAL SPACE ACADEMY TRAINING BRILLIANT MINDS FOR SPACE EXPLORATION..INDUSTRIES DEVELOPED TO BUILD SPACE CRAFT. IF WE CAN BUILD ENORMOUS AIRCRAFT CARRIERS WHY NOT SPACESHIPS...INDUSTRIES TO BUILD HABITATS FOR COLONIES..THESE ASSOCIATE INDUSTRIES WILL HELP TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR EARTH BOUND CITIZENS.i THINK RICHARD BRANSON WILL BE REMEBERED LIKE THE WROGHT BROTHERS AS A PIONEER WHO HAD THE GUTS AND THE WILL TO TAKE US TO THE NEXT LEVEL

'Life on Mars' explained

Orlando Flores, Mabton, WA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:51:58 GMT

After I watched the news about this I was suprised about the information and footage that they got. It's very crazy that knowing that there is other creatures ou there

'Life on Mars' explained

Bob, Portsmouth, NH — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:57:46 GMT

Well we had an old man living on a mountain in New Hampshire and evidently there are photos to prove it, so why not a bigfoot (or in the case littlefoot) living on Mars!!! Where is Mulder and Fox when you need them!

'Life on Mars' explained

Jane Doe — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:06:56 GMT

If you look at and adjust the NASA photo closely in Photoshop you can see that there are at least four figures along the rock outcropping. There might also be figures along the next rock outcropping in the distance. The four closest figures are wearing clothing and are definitely not rocks. The one standing figure (”mermaid statue”) has thrown an object like a ball to the figure in front of him–you can see this figure with palm up and shadow on the ground below his hand. The standing “mermaid” figure is wearing some sort of robe/gown with sleeves halfway up arm; flesh tones and fingers are clearly visible. The figure in front of him is wearing a hoodie. And, in front of the hooded figure is a someone with only part of their arm visible, jutting out from the rock, and the arm is clothed in some sort of light-colored garment. A fourth hooded figure, peering over the rock, is visible behind the full “mermaid” figure. Actually the mermaid figure seems to be bearded, and wearing a hat with an antenna. I cannot tell if the NASA photo has been tampered with, but one thing for sure is that those aren’t rocks in the photo. If this is a hoax, shame, shame, shame. Looking at the photo, I could not rule out that the figure is Osama Bin Laden, or Jesus, or that these photos were doctored by a Cornell student with a sense of humor!

'Life on Mars' explained

Eddie l Stacy sheridan IND — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:13:06 GMT

they r out there if they r on mars how can they breath if there is no air there i know im not the smartest guy out there and i also don't spell that good but i do beleve ET is out there he will say hello too us one day when he thinks that we r ready too take the news

'Life on Mars' explained

Patrick Bishop, Caldwell, NJ — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:34:28 GMT

Don't debate the problem, solve it. A rover took the picture. Have it rove over and take a close-up.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jack Fort Worth, TX — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:37:50 GMT

This is exactly what's wrong with this country. We are spending billions of dollars so we can take pictures of rocks and let the idiots claim they are some form of life. I'm pretty sure that money could be better spent here on earth. NASA is a joke.

'Life on Mars' explained

Rick, Carrollton, GA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:40:15 GMT

This is without a doubt a Martian child's toy. Did you ever play with those little green plastic army soldiers? Look real close at the picture and you can obviously see it's wearing a helmet, is ducking down for cover, and is pointing a ray gun.

'Life on Mars' explained

Thomas,Casper ,WY — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:17:16 GMT

I can't determine if she is a red head or a
brunette. She needs to get on Maxim.com.

'Life on Mars' explained

zs — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:41:57 GMT

wind does not create such a masterpice on mars. look at the big rock below it. that's what wind does to normal mars rock.

looks interesting ... i hope someone turns this into 3-d

'Life on Mars' explained

Bill Murray — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:08:01 GMT

It seems odd to me that the man who heads the scientific team behind the mars rovers who be so skeptical about the possibilities of what that image could be. I mean why spend all this money and time and effort into a operation if everything you see your just gonna chaulk it up to being nothing. I mean the fact that they found water on the planet, the cornerstone of sustainable life, would seem to lead to the possibility of there once being some type of life forms on mars. Why use your education and spend all your time and effort on a project that you don't believe in. It would be like mining for gold and every time you find something that looks like it might be gold to just throw it away and say "probably nothing."

'Life on Mars' explained

daniel robinson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:24:02 GMT

they are coming!!! we must hide underground where they cant find us and destroy everything on the surface of the earth with war heads so that they dont know we r here!!!
come on guys! they are looking at us from some where

'Life on Mars' explained

Matthew D. — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:00:07 GMT

Very interesting. There will always be those who refuse to accept the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence regardless of evidence, and there will always be those who are so eager to believe in it that things like this get them excited.

This time it was the latter's turn to look silly.

-Matt

'Life on Mars' explained

Timothy Yelder, Rochester, New York — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:18:02 GMT

Doesn't our own existence prove that there is the possibility of life elsewhere?

'Life on Mars' explained

John Doe Seattle,Wash — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:30:35 GMT

i dont belive one thing why do they base life on mars by the standards of of human life if threr aleian they dont need to be big they could be smaller then an eraser on a pencil so that figure could be real life.(Something to think about guys)

'Life on Mars' explained

Panda Man Dan — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:00:23 GMT

I hate to tell you all this, but the ranchers that put us here are coming for their "annual" round up, which to us is roughly 28,000 years. Myself Im buying some Nikes and loading up on quarters, just in case.

'Life on Mars' explained

Uncle Kevin, canton, ohio — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:54:36 GMT

those who choose to believe are not being that unreal. Its funny how as humans we tend to have a fear of having distant neighbors. i would be the first to shake an aliens hand. maybe we feel that we are too important or maybe we want to feel inferior. but knowing us, if there is something up there we probably try invade or govern them......that last part is pretty funny to me......i Am A BELIEVER

'Life on Mars' explained

Marc Christopher, WI — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:23:31 GMT

Too much definition to have been sculpted by wind

'Life on Mars' explained

pb, earth — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:14:04 GMT

It would be something if they do find that the structure is alien-made.

If there is intelligent life out there, I do hope that those aliens are smart enough NOT to come here. Al lot of fanatic religious people like to blow people up; especially "aliens". And the military probably want to cut them up.

Seriously... E.T, it would be best not to come for a friendly visit, until mankind's problems like religion and violence has become completely extinct. Wait a few centuries.

'Life on Mars' explained

John Doe, Celina, Ohio — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:16:33 GMT

Think about it. In maybe another galaxy, if there is a sun (which there are) and there are planets at a distance to create the right atmosphere as earth is from our sun, then it's very likely there is life on other planets, in another solar system. Although possible, it may only be plant life of some sort or micro organisms... or maybe even intelligent life of any possible size. Maybe dust particle size. What else do you think we were looking for when we created the microscope?

'Life on Mars' explained

john doe, seattle wash — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:41:22 GMT

You know i think for anyone to say we are the only life is self centered. life on another planet is extremely possible and the government does hold back things. they found some new planet out past pluto and theres a star closer to us then the sun but its very little. the circumstances on this planet past pluto do to the small star is belived to be like earth and could even have water. the sun is belived to burn out and destroy earth in around 4 billion years, maybe we'll be turning to our friends in a different galaxy for help just remember that for ur childrens grandchildrens grandchilrens exc. sake

'Life on Mars' explained

Kali, Sydney, Australia — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:06:51 GMT

I have always marvelled at the way that sci-fi ideas, seem to become everyday realities- in an around about way. The face , the annexed structures; some call pyramids- they are situated in intesting angular arrangements, and indeed the presence of microbial life! I think that one day soon civilians may know the truth.
For the religiously minded- remember the story of the Nephilim or Rephraim? As biblically stated, were "off-worlders who saw earth women as fair; but God comanded that there be no union, or else face his wrath.The face and the Sphinx, to me, look remarkably similar.
Maybe Iam another conspiracy theorist, but does everything happen via coincidence then? Wouldnt being in leadership roles be lovely-if this were the case!!!

'Life on Mars' explained

Abhilash Gopi. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:16:16 GMT

With all those efforts to trace life on Mars, we are sure that NASA would definitely share those information with the world. But as evidences points to, we have not a single proof of life existing on Mars as yet.

It sure looks like a wind sculpted form as indicated from the other rocks nearby.

'Life on Mars' explained

TheFallibleFiend, Lorton, VA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:49:13 GMT

A person can believe in life on other planets without believing that 1) that life has visited Earth or that 2) we're looking at its remnants on Mars. The problem is there are a lot of people who really WANT to believe that alien life is within our grasp. The more educated people are hopeful, yet skeptical. The idiots manufacture conspiracy 'theories.'

'Life on Mars' explained

karen — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:16:40 GMT

I think that pepole should go to the bible Its says in the beging that out of all the planets in pour solor system that earth is the only sinful planet so pepole think about it and we should start thinking as one world

'Life on Mars' explained

Julie Powell, Kansas City, Missouri — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:19:31 GMT

Think of Pompeii...do you think maybe life started on Mars, and when a catastrophe hit, they migrated to Earth? We don't know anything for sure. Also, the Nazca lines...think of those as well, that society and culture has been dead for thousands of years, and everything we think we know about them is all guess work. We've been sending messages out into space for 75 years or so, is it so shocking to think that maybe someone has been answering?

'Life on Mars' explained

klane king, great falls, montana — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:26:03 GMT

i don't know how you guys can see the figure of a mermaid. that thing is definitely a bigfoot walking around.

'Life on Mars' explained

TORI A. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:43:35 GMT

I understand that the mind will form a familiar shape from unfamiliar shapes if it happens to be on another planet where the things we see, have never been registered in our brains. So the mind can play tricks, form a face or we see lines on the surface that might look like roads or buildings etc. And it is easy to do , form shapes we have seen before. But some of the images are so strange you have to ask yourself (what can that be?) However, what really bothers me is the way the media will make fun out of anything that might draw interest as being unusual , like bringing up "Bigfoot?" Saying this is so far fetched it is laughable. Quite honestly it seems arrogant and just a little insulting to make fun of people exploring the mystery's of Mars many strange images. Bigfoot has nothing to do with Mars and it really does insult the people who just want to explore the unknown without being treated like they are all stupid to ask questions . Seems like we have learned all we need to know about Mars right? I guess we don't need to ask anymore silly questions do we?

'Life on Mars' explained

Jon Schneider Hobart Wash. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:44:04 GMT

I woke up this morning Friday January 25th 2008 to CNN saying an asteriod was going to pass real,real close ot the earth On Tuesday January 29th 2008. They discovered its flight path in October of 2007.
I woke up on Monday January 21st to a US military base, based out of Texas saying that yes indeed they had f-15's in the air on a training mission the same day that a UFO was spotted being chased by 2 F-15's which the US military denied ever happened.
Do you see where this is going?
I kinda think that if on Tuesday January 29th 2008 you point a medium range and or at least a 200 dollar US funds telescope in the night ski if no clouds are blocking your visibilty, towards the comet that you will be seeing that same mars rock figure. More visible to the naked eye from this asteriod view from earth, in which she's perched upon flipping us off..
Just a rough guess?
Anyone else think there's life on other planets... I still do... Peace out

'Life on Mars' explained

jimka saunders yreka calif — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:44:11 GMT

Perhaps the image is caused by "global-warming" hipe here on this planet

'Life on Mars' explained

Bob D, Phoenix, AZ — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:45:02 GMT

NASA's mission is NOT to prove there is no life elsewhere in space. Does anyone think that the thousands of employees working at NASA have all conspired to hide information from the rest of the world, including other countries who also have scientists. Give me a break, if there was life discovered anywhere out there it would be on the Internet in 5 seconds. Besides, life elsewhere would not mean there is no God, or that the big bad buggie man from Mars is coming to get us. That's Hollywood! I suppose some people want to believe there is life out there, but the rest of us have more than one brain cell functioning at a time, and realize that science is not out to fool the world. If they find some privative life elsewhere, so what? It's not one of my relatives! (or maybe.......)

'Life on Mars' explained

allen, massachusetts — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:47:59 GMT

Can't wait to see it on EBay.

'Life on Mars' explained

Albert Ross, London, UK. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:48:09 GMT

At 2 ins high, its kind of difficult to believe it could ever be a `sculpture` as such. But the other day , in my garden, I found a 2 ins high plastic toy soldier. Maybe thats it!. Maybe Martian kids played with toy soldiers!(or mermaids), & this one just got lost in a Martian kids back garden!. Well there ya go, mystery solved.Or maybe I just need help.

'Life on Mars' explained

Arindam Krishna Das — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:52:50 GMT

As anyone who reads Vonnegut knows, before arriving at Mars one runs into a chrono-synclastic infundibula. It is therefore apparent that the figure seen is participating in one of Mars' Burning Man gatherings that will be happening in the future. Obviously, she's hiking her way back to the Martian Playa's Hare Krishna Camp after finding some quiet time away from the festivities to dig the red planet's scenic desert environs.

'Life on Mars' explained

Barry, Stockton, CA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:01:58 GMT

UMM..why they don't take one more picture and settle the controversy??? :)

'Life on Mars' explained

ken hart — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:02:23 GMT

Back in 1979 when i was in the airforce, in basic training, our flight was told that the incident at roswell was indeed real.
That they had indeed recovered alien bodies and peices of ailen aircraft. Now its 2008 and considering the thousands of people who have seen unknown crafts in flight, including the texas incident recently,the many pilots who have come forward, the reports from the nasa astronouts with videos, it can only be concluded that their is actually life out there that the average citizen dosen't know about. And why would the goverment cover it up? well what do you think would happen if the truth really came out. people would freak, mass riots, and the religious nuts would say the end is here. there would be world wide kaos. Unfortunatly the truth will come out as it always does someday. A good instance is the lies and untruths that lead up to the 911 incident and proceding war! We all know we were lied to about that.

'Life on Mars' explained

Don Davis — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:05:50 GMT

The mind's ability to recognize body and face likenesses from shapes and patterns is a deep-rooted, subconscious ability. Stare at a stucco wall or something else scattered with essentially random lines and curves and you'll start seeing things (yes, everyone else sees these too, not just you). That's what's happening here. I do hope that one day we find those pesky pilots [Oops] I mean aliens, so we can tell them the jokes over - quit buzzing our planet merely for the media attention. Oh, and that we need some new episodes of The Jetsons.

'Life on Mars' explained

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:11:10 GMT

Yuppies.

'Life on Mars' explained

Christine; Sacramento, Ca — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:15:02 GMT

For those of you who have left comments saying something to the effect of "Why haven't we investigated it?" I have some heartbreaking news for you:

WE HAVE.

But would pictures of random rock shapes really hold your attention as long as a Mermaid formation?
Furthermore, even after your beliefs are debunked, there's always some excuse as to why you don't buy it. "It's a conspiracy cover up" or simply "I don't believe you!"

I left the yuppies comment, too.

'Life on Mars' explained

John, NYC — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:20:32 GMT

I just read up on Wikipedia regarding the origins of djinn entities, these invisible beings were created by God, as was Man, but it turns out according to religious texts these guys can shape shift, time travel and occupy any area in space, large or small. In the western world we usually regard these as ancient myths about genies and wishmasters. However many religious texts tell of how God created both man and djinn with free will, granting man the earth and djinn concealment and supernatural power... As depicted in Genie tales and movies, closer reading even told of certain djinn tribes being bannished to rove the deserts of the earth. Why not say the really bad ones like this fella got posted to Mars, the desert planet.

'Life on Mars' explained

John Arena, Phoenix AZ — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:25:21 GMT

I used to be a big believer in the whole life on mars thing. But as a person gets older, you learn to separate the wheat from the chaff. My only question is why the HELL our government spends untold billions exploring some dead rock when there is so much human suffering right here on Earth?

'Life on Mars' explained

loving the alien — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:32:55 GMT

It only seems logical that at one time mars would have had the capibility to sustain life.Surely at one point as the sun was in its cooling process the conditions for some form of life on mars would be very likely.Maybe we are looking at the remnants of a society that exsisted billions of years ago.Or maybe we are just blowing wind.

'Life on Mars' explained

Student, Derby, Kansas — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:46:36 GMT

No way that thing is 2 inches. I know there is no reference to judge but it just seems to me that it would be difficult to get a 2 inch image into focus along with everything else in the picture. Also, on Earth wind shaped rocks seem to be tall enough to catch the wind. At two inches it seems that it wouldn't have been shaped any more than the rocks around it. I think it is closer to 3 feet in height and worth steering a little closer toward since there isn't a lot to write home about.

'Life on Mars' explained

J ATKINS BEDFORD IND — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:48:45 GMT

JUST LIKE THE MOON PICTURES, ALL THE MARS PICS WERE
TAKEN OUT IN WYOMING.

'Life on Mars' explained

Ben Bennett, Syracuse, Utah — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:17:20 GMT

To all the people who think the statue is of osama bin laden: It isn't, it's an Alien Memorial Statue of Saddam Hussein! Could be Bill Clinton it looks like he's keeling over and throwing up? Ha ha, even the aliens know he's a joke lol. You conspiracy theorists are sooo funny!

'Life on Mars' explained

Philip Byrd Peirson Fl. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:25:31 GMT

Given all the stars that are in the heavens it would be foolish to think that we are here all alone.

'Life on Mars' explained

Julian P., Alicante , Spain — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:33:25 GMT

Comparing the nearby formations it is clear that the "mermaid" size is far more than 2 inches.
This nobody can dispute,
The shadows tell the story.

'Life on Mars' explained

Roger Robinson, St. Louis, MO — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:41:57 GMT

I am the alien. I want my picture back. It is'nt of my good side.

'Life on Mars' explained

Tony Enriquez, Houston, TX — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:47:31 GMT

Think about it. Its all linking up. The water dried up because of polution. Thats why the atmophsere is made up of poison. who made that pollution? it had to be alien life. also pompei! when ash coverd them they became stone! why cant that happen with the aliens.

'Life on Mars' explained

Kin A-Okhi'ulu. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:47:59 GMT

What a waste of life time that could be invested on other positive things, funds needed by developing and poor countries who cannot even give their citizen food nor shelter, endless expectations.
No life elsewhere besides the earth.
Kin A-Okhi'ulu, Nigeria.

'Life on Mars' explained

ROBBIE PARKER — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:54:26 GMT

Whotini!!

'Life on Mars' explained

Vipin, Hassan ,India — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:29:22 GMT

When I saw the image it was awesom .Ithought finally we discovered life on mars.and i will wait for the clarification

'Life on Mars' explained

Piyush Kulkarni,aurangabad,INDIA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:59:35 GMT

If nasa is not saying something, then what we should accept from nasa. In this big universe there should be some life. & they may be use to contact us by ROSWELL?

'Life on Mars' explained

Brian Bouton — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:06:12 GMT

Humans are so simple-minded to believe that intelligent life forms will always look like that on Earth. There's nothing to say miniscule humanoid life forms can't exist as well as ones that could be giants. While I believe the image to be a shadow...that doesn't mean life hasn't existed there in the past or present for that matter. I do believe any intelligent life which may have existed on what we call "mars" was either forced to abandon this world after it lost atmosphere or life there was forced underground. Probable locations being the polar regions.
Nasa may or may not be covering things up, based on a need to know basis. Therefore...you do not need to know.

'Life on Mars' explained

Tracy Smith Morral, Ohio — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:21:42 GMT

Listen, up folks! Those who think we are the only life forms out there have tunnel vision that no amount of photos will ever change. If you don't at least think the government has covered up UFO and alien information you are just as nuts as those who believe. They are out there and the government knows, hell governments around the world know and they agree to cover it up because it would simply destroy all ideas about religion and send earth into tailspin.

'Life on Mars' explained

lettie mactintosh — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:27:39 GMT

are you people all nuts. Nothing can survive on mars. to all of you who believe in aliens and crap you have way too much time on your hands

'Life on Mars' explained

Rebecca Rice, Jacksonville, NC — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:42:43 GMT

Sorry, I think it looks like a shadow cast from a rock. I don't consider myself a "skeptic" and I do believe in life on other planets than Earth, but I do not believe this is proof of that. I think it's an optical illusion that the shadow is a 3d structure, when really that's all it is....a shadow. Not to burst anyone's bubble or anything.

And the reason NASA doesn't go investigate it again is because it's really not worth the tax dollars. They have more important things to do than prove to a bunch of people who think there's a big conspiracy about the shadows on Mars wrong. It's not like taking pictures of Mars is simply a hobby of theirs to prove that life exists on it.

'Life on Mars' explained

ricia drexler — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:44:21 GMT

has anyone ever thought of that which is above is as that which is below, even the mineral world is alive in a different vibration than a plant or a human mars is alive in all the sense of its own enviroment

'Life on Mars' explained

Leigh, Baltimore, Maryland — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:02:06 GMT

Martian Wind? LOL That is the craziest thing i have ever heard of! Some things just don't need to be explained.. As far as there being life on other planets, leave that to the SCI-FI channel!

'Life on Mars' explained

Ted Greenville Delaware — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:03:40 GMT

It was created, sculpted. You think wind did this? Right. There is nothing else around it that is like it. Where are the other "wind sculptures"? There are billions of stars. By the way, most Bigfoot plaster molds of the feet have Dermal Ridges. That is like finger prints on the thumb. How did they fake that on 100s and 100s of different casts all over the world?

'Life on Mars' explained

Gary Canterbury, Cleveland, OH — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:11:21 GMT

I am so glad I am NOT a member of the insane little group of people who believe in bigfoot, nessie and whatever other completely moronic icon of conspiracy exists out there. If you understood anything about human self-interest, you would know that there is NO way anything like a sculpture or evidence of alien life could ever be supressed. SOMEONE would leak it for $50,000 to some idiot-oriented medium or put it up on a web site for $39.99 viewing...and the morons would flock to see the hazy image and feel their personal insanity was then justified. Is there alien life? Has to be. Do we want to find it? Only if we're complete idiots. Aliens would be interested in this planet for only two things: Colonization or mineral wealth, because they, too, would come from a finite place of existence and would be looking to survive. Do you really think they'd come here to help a stone-age civilization evolve into competition? IQs continue to cascade towards Idiocracy. Hats off to NASA for continuing the effort of real science and discovery.

'Life on Mars' explained

Patricia D. Gregory — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:12:10 GMT

Do you really believe we are the only people out here? I believe that we are the aliens..we were put here by artificial insemiation by another race. How do you explain Mary getting preganat without sex? Also, in the Bible, please read Ezkiel..it clearly describes a spaceship...wheels turning around wheels..Even God came in a whirlwind, clouds and thunder..this is just my belief..I love the Bible and God and Jesus..but I view the Bible scientifically. It is here to tell us something! Whether written by man in visions..but it is inspired from God, the Father.

'Life on Mars' explained

Michael Grassi, Harbin, China — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:13:35 GMT

Ancient statues are found on the bottom of our oceans and buried beneath layers of earth. Civilizations rise and fall, disappearing into obscurity. If there is intelligent life(at this point I am convinced of this 'fact'),then the same would hold true for all civilizations, Earthly or extraterrestrial. Given the incomprehensible enormity of the Universe, a scientific fact, Mars can be considered our roommate, just a stone's throw away. A half billion years ago, faced with an catastrophic ecological disaster, perhaps our 'ancestors' sought sanctuary on Earth. Is this scenario really that fantastic? What solutions would mankind develop if faced with an imminent destruction of Earth's atmosphere? Noah's Ark is not a new idea. I am sure that evacuation to the nearest planet for colonization would be right at the top of the list. Faced with extinction, humans would work 'miracles' with their intelligence and technology.
These artifacts may very well be 'wind-sculpted' but look carefully. The length of the statue's out-stretched arm and the length of 'her' upper right 'leg' are in perfect anatomical proportion to one another. If you sit in a chair and extend your arm over your upper thigh/leg, your hand should be fairly close or over your knee. The 'breasts' of the statue are also anatomically correct in placement and yes, there is another fallen statue in front. I didn't realize that the wind 'sculpted in pairs' (King and Queen).These artifacts are truly anomalous to the vast sameness of the landscape. I didn't realize the wind could be so discriminating. Here on Earth I thought wind and WATER are the sculptors of natural formations. Statements that dismiss these perfunctorily as 'wind-sculptures' rank with the 'swamp-gas', weather balloon, and mass hallucination explanations perpetrated by those who wish us to believe that our world is still flat. Those of you who still cling to the pathetic belief that Earth-humans are the only intelligent life that ever was and ever will be, all the while being surrounded and ensonced in a endless Universe, are truly laughable. Your provincial and superstitious 'beliefs' will soon be relegated to History's circular file.

'Life on Mars' explained

A.T., NJ — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:17:38 GMT

I believe that there is almost definitely life on other planets, but I highly doubt that there is life on other planets within our solar system. The universe is HUGE, and I mean, come on, there has to be life somewhere out there. I think that that rock formation was most likely formed by the wind, but even with all the controversy this has sparked up, NASA with probably either do nothing, or just tell everyone that it is nothing, and that there is no point in further investigating it. I really don't know exactly what it is, and I'm not sure it matters. I think that there probably was life on Mars at one point, but if there was life on Mars, it probably went extinct millions upon millions of years ago. It's ignorant of anyone to think that we are the only complex living organisms in the universe. If you believe that we are the only complex living beings in this solar system, you may be correct, and there is a high possibility of that, but to seriously believe that there is no life somewhere out there in the universe seems rather ignorant to me.

'Life on Mars' explained

thomas holiday florida — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:21:23 GMT

when we first come up with faster then light travel and can actually leave our solar system then the aliens will finally notice and be at peace with us. or maybe they will just blow our ships up and take us as slaves either one really.

'Life on Mars' explained

BASS — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:22:50 GMT

I think you are all ALIENS or your wacked in the head.

'Life on Mars' explained

'Ol Glenn, Camano Island, Wa. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:26:02 GMT

So you think there is no "big foot" Jessica. Have you ever gone out to where they live and and spent some days and nights looking for them? I have and what I have seen and heard has made a believer out of me. [...]

'Life on Mars' explained

C. Meehling — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:26:18 GMT

This discovery gives me great hope! None of the women on this planet will date me ....

'Life on Mars' explained

Phil, Baghdad, Iraq — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:27:50 GMT

Science is the process of coming to a truthful conclusion. Although many people have turned away from true science, the science of weighing all the facts, using conclusive evidence and learning the truth. The truth in this matter is, there is nothing conclusive here. Nothing to make bold statements about. There is enough to make a good science-fiction story out of. Maybe a good movie. But nothing that we can call evidence. Be patient and time will tell us what we are all wanting to know. Give time its chance to let this 'mystery' unfold.

'Life on Mars' explained

mark oneal — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:30:30 GMT

calm down people. its nothing but a 2" rock. No need to make your president aware of this situation, for he would then swear its a weapon of mass destruction, and blow up mars

'Life on Mars' explained

Rebecca Rice, Jacksonville, NC — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:33:49 GMT

Oh, and by the way, the "face" was photographed again, by a newer, higher-resolution camera, and it was shown that it was just an area of a bunch of rocks that formed shadows, and in a low-resolution photograph, looked like a face. It was recently on a program about life in outer space on the Discovery Channel. People are subconciously programmed to find familiar shapes (especially faces) in everything they see...it's just how our brain works. Which is why we find shapes in clouds, and the "man in the moon". So anything with two dots at the top, a triangular-type shape in the middle, and little slivers of shadows below that, will automatically register in our brain as a face.

'Life on Mars' explained

/Max Damage — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:34:33 GMT

I just have one observation: none of the other 'wind swept rocks' are affected to anything near the degree that the one in question is; I think this is a bogus explanation. Get a photo from another angle: there isn't much on Mars that is more important than determining 100% that this isn't the remnants of a statue.

'Life on Mars' explained

donkey kong — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:35:38 GMT

They found it!!! I lost my little mermaid figurine during my last trip to Zardoz

'Life on Mars' explained

GOD — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:38:16 GMT

This ROCK is of my making. You peple are screwing up all the nice things I did on Earth, so I moved to Mars. Now you are coming there. You are seeking the forbidden fruit of knowledge. Not the apple of mith, but knowledge. The more you learn the more you know I don't exist.

'Life on Mars' explained

rocky-o...n.y., n.y. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:44:16 GMT

to all those who think they're so clever...what happens when they do discover life on other planets...will you then just take it for granted and move on, just like with every other 'myth' that had been eventually proved...
if you do look closely at the picture, you will see that the figure is holding something in it's hand, like a stick or something...
this is no wind formation, much as the government would like us to believe it was a weather balloon...
and for shawn...bless you shawn...and rememebr...God created the UNIVERSE, and not just earth...

'Life on Mars' explained

psw, Oklahoma City, OK — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:55:13 GMT

remember the size of dinosaurs,and evolution has changed those that survived to be alot smaller. With that in mind what if same happen to humans. who can say if any other intelligent life exists what stature they maybe, could be size of ants and how are we to spot ufo's that size. just food for thought.

'Life on Mars' explained

Clyde — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:57:29 GMT

All the hoopla. As the HULK would say PUNY HUMANS. It's so typical what we can barley see we deny and what we can't see we flat out deny unless there is an mathmatical answer or absolute conclusion.
Which brings me to my next point do the math we roughly started taking notes some 2500 years ago and its only what we have found on this rock we call Earth can we date back any further. It is ignorant to even phathom that there wasn't life there. If there wasn't there probably wouldn't be so much interest in the Red Planet.
We can even say that they had there own Judgement Day and wiped themselves off the map. & from satellight images they saw something hence my comment above.
We should take interest in our own MOON. Last we checked (and all the blogs show) why haven't set up a base camp on the MOON. I'll agree with all the rest of the believers because there is something already there and they don't want us there.
But I'm jumping track back to this little rock.
That thing was carved by some intelligent life. To even say that it wasn't by the Govt or NASSA and have them come up with the notion that it was carved out by water, wind and erotion is ludacris.
Why well just look at the rest of the landscape hello. There is to much detail right down to the damn thing holding something in its hand.
Anyway I said enough. These comments did its job and that was to cause more diversity between belivers and non- believers so as usual the Govt & NASSA wins. I guess the only way to make us all see the truth is to wait for a flat out invation.

'Life on Mars' explained

Lulu Frankenbo, Hales Corners WI — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:57:44 GMT

Are we sure that this "mermaid" is truly not a product of wind sculpting? Why not investigate? Who knows there may be life on Mars.

'Life on Mars' explained

xtro, MI — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:57:53 GMT

I'm sorry people but as you know the god factor is at play. People in church at tought to pay there taxes and be a good slave. Why would any goverment want to mess with a good thing $$$$$ . and I'm sorry god beleivers but you would have to be insane or just planed brian washed to belive that were the only thing left standing.

'Life on Mars' explained

Rationally Thinking, PA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:00:08 GMT

I still cannot believe the gullability of people most of the time. This is a rock,,,,,,nothing more,,,,,,,,nothing less. I will prove it not by science, not by religion, but by something that I see little of in this forum, pure common sense. If these are "people" they would have to be more intelligent than we give them credit for. Mars is a desert-like planet (no food or water) and they would have adapted to this harsh environment or figure out a way to do it. With such inteligence, don't you think they would be able to have found a way to build a spacecraft and visit us as well or even build some sort of device to contact other life on other planets? Another thing, if this was a martian being capable of problem solving, intelligent thought and having awareness of his surroundings, wouldn't he see the probe and go to examine it out of curiousity just like we humans do? People see what they want to see and are so busy trying to get others to see what they see that they forget or overlook the obvious.

'Life on Mars' explained

jim jensen, des moines, iowa — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:04:28 GMT

this proves it. the Danes were the first to get to Mars.

'Life on Mars' explained

joseph mariano shenandoah, pa, — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:06:10 GMT

I think we are being lied to by our goverment about other alien life forms because i was dating my last girlfriend and her dad had a friend from nasa come to see him and this man brought pictures with him and at that time the man as me and my girlfriend to leave the room so we did . Well years later her father was passing away and told us what his froend ahd showen him which were picture of alien ships taht come up to the space station and on earth and he said that his friend showed him the pictures so he was not the only one other than his self would know that the goverment is keeping away form us he said they the pictures were amazing he wished we would have seen them he said it changed he life for ever !

'Life on Mars' explained

xtro, MI — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:09:39 GMT

On another note, Russia shows and tells everyone what they find and they also have reported and taped UFO's. They also have a satellites orbiting mars there pictures show a structure not formed by wind but 100% positively made by something or someone and it is big like miles long. Yes to bad our government is not so open. I sure would like to know why we all paid them to send all this equipment there. I think we should stop being so kind lose with our money. Fess-up or no pay day for you NASA/GOV.

We also have evidence her on earth. Like the pyramids and there left behind paintings/ but I guess there all nuts to. Aliens and space ships. Maybe they seen F16’s fly in a round circle. Lucky for us we got our government to set us straight.

'Life on Mars' explained

John Doe — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:10:35 GMT

There is no doubt that this is very interested, and the probability of life elsewhere is pretty good, this is a big universe. But let's make sure we put this Mars research in perspective, I think we are all grasping at straws on thie one.

There is no evidence of any actual life and no ancient ruins such as what we have found all over OUR world for hundreds of years. But for some reason these Mars aliens sculpted a 2 inch mermaid and placed it in the middle of nowhere for us to find. Ok, right. That makes perfect sense.

'Life on Mars' explained

Mo, Boston, MA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:11:42 GMT

Jimmy Hoffa's remains - found at last.

'Life on Mars' explained

Phook Yeu — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:15:56 GMT

As much as I'd love to find out there is life on Mars, I have to believe it is a rock. People believe it to be an "alien" for 1 of 2 reasons:

1. Matrixing. Your eyes see something that looks human-like, so your brain automatically believes it is.

2. Hype. Someone else says it is an alien, so you believe tham.

'Life on Mars' explained

R. Simpson, Indianapolis IN. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:18:28 GMT

I have to say a few things. first i shall address Clyde Bethea, of Franklin Park, N.J. first. Your mention that if the photo is carefully taken apart using digital means, it would yield two distinct images, is true, yet somewhat false. whereas it is true that there ARE two pictures, it is merely because the picture was taken with a stereo camera, which has two lenses and takes two pictures at the same time to produce a three dimensional object closer to what we see ourselves. if you take apart ANY three dimensional image you will yield two, or possibly even more depending on how they felt while making it, pictures. this is done because all two eyed animals (that includes us, homosapians) see in what we call 3-D. this is simply because both eyes are capturing different angles of the same thing. if we had one eye, the world would look two dimensional.

Next i want to address the people who say that there is life on mars. whereas i dont disagree there might have been at one point, or might still be microbial life there, i do dispute that there is any life on mars presently on a scale large enough to be seen by the naked eye. this is due to a number of reasons. first off, mars has lost its planetary dynamo, which is the huge convectional force deep in the cores of planets that generate electromagnetic fields that serve many purposes. the main purpose i will point out is as a shield against intense solar winds and radiation from space. due to its thin atmosphere, and no electromagnetic field, mars is an inhospitable planet with no liquid water (as liquid water cannot form, it is by far too cold), harsh weather, and constant bombardment from space. unless life on mars on our scale has lived underground for centuries, then it simply cannot exist there.

As for discoloration from the rock around it, true it might be black in what seems to be a sea of red, but remember, underneath that red is a black rock. if you look at this link, (provided by E-Z-B) http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a197/dotcosm/PIA10214circles.jpg, you will see he has outlined what he thinks are other figures. however, it serves my purpose for explaining that if you look, you DO see the black rock under the red. it is merely a cliff like feature that one point was higher than the others.

This is a prime example of the nature of the human mind. we are naturally supposed to recognize patterns as part of survival skills. however, in the age that this is no longer necasary, we have let our imaginations run wild with it. we now hear "subliminal messages" when we play music backwards, and ghosts and jesus are in EVERYTHING. what you see in your enviroment is based upon your concious and sub-concious preconditions. if one looks at a cloud and they want to see a pink elephant with a hatchet and a cell phone in either hand, one would see one after a while. this is further illustrated by the knowledge that the human mind takes in an average of 4,000,000,000 bytes of imformation per second. and only 2,000 of those bubble up to the concious, and all of them are almost always self serving. that which we want to believe in our brains will eventually allow us to see. that is the nature of the human mind. reality is per user, it looks different per person, because each person has preconditions.

I've said my little bit. thank you for reading, if your ever intrested in a conversation about the world and life, or just want to hate mail me, my E-Mail address is doomoffate@hotmail.com.

ps, i know my spelling and grammar are atrocious, but i dont like how small a writing area it gives, i need to see the whole thing in order to catch em.

'Life on Mars' explained

tarry moore — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:18:58 GMT

It's a rock throwing a rock (or preparing to catch a rock). Whatever it is, it seems to be "well endowed."

'Life on Mars' explained

Bob Hamilton Orlando FL. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:20:17 GMT

hello out there. heres the problem. if there is actualy life out there. it would cause havic among the religous belevers. i say stop. look and listen.maybe just maybe the fact is were not so special,a lone race of humans.maybe the bible was realy wrote by the hand of man. trying to help us understand were we originated from.no where do i see gods signiture. not on one single document not one page.i think and hope that we have evovled far enough to see that just because we whant it to be true that it dosnt make it so}
Why does it allways turn into this?
Theres no proof of life any where else, so by the standard you set you must be a religous belever till there is proof. But from what I understand the whole point of the bible was there is life other than the earth. Heaven and hell.the bible was realy wrote by the hand of man is True However its who told them what to right that is in question. How did the man who wrote Genesis know the world was a sphere?
Theres numerous facts in the bible that have been proven correct and no place in the bible does it say this was the only place life was created. Wouldnt surprise me a bit to see other places were there is life. would not effect my belief 1 bit.You think your smarter than Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton both were religious.Anyhoo very cool photos I do Recall others that showed what looked like sea creature fossils in the rocks. maybe this martian was fishing when disaster struct. LOL!

'Life on Mars' explained

Richard Alexander, Bakersfield, CA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:27:57 GMT

If anyone is interested in finding more information on this story or a few other similar stories, consider checking out the link below. The link offers explanations for this "Man on Mars" photo and a couple other Mars sightings. Hope you enjoy!

'Life on Mars' explained

Angelo DiDonato, Macomb Township, MI — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:32:06 GMT

I'm inclined to believe NASA when they say the figure in the Mars picture is just a natural wind carved formation as incredible as it seems. But, make no mistake about it. Our government thrives on secrecy. The standing rule when it comes to anything of this nature or UFOs or Area 51, etc, etc is to deny, explain away and discredit anyone who has a different opinion or explaination. Government emplyees who violate this directive are promply repremanded or fired or both. It will be interesting to see if NASA follows up with a close-up view of the image.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jaime H, Hershey, PA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:32:18 GMT

I don't know if this is proof that there is life of mars, but it seems that every time something like this happens, all of the sudden there is always some explanation for it from the government. They have been doing it for years. All of these sightings of UFOs in Texas and I see on the news the other night that they were testing aircrafts. That's a bunch of hooey. Everyone who saw it says it doesn't add up and there was nothing on radar showing these aircrafts (from what i heard anyway). And if that's what they were doing, why wouldn't they notify the public? What are they hiding from us? They did it in Roswell and they are doing it now. Are we really that egotistical to believe that life is only on earth? We don't even have the technology to explore all of the galaxy, and people believe that there couldn't possibly be life out there? There is too much space out there. Wake up people. We don't need proof to know it.

'Life on Mars' explained

Luis de Quesada,Sr. Jamaica, N.Y. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:35:17 GMT

I wouldn't doubt that some sort of an ancient civilization might have existed in the "Red Planet" and this might explain the "mermaid" and other faces or remnants of statues found in Mars. Bear in mind of another enigma. The huge asteroid field between Mars and Jupiter. There was a body or planet there which collided with another one or with Jupiter. Did that body sustained human like life? There are many unanswered questions in our solar system and our universe some of which someday, as sciences advances, may be answered.

'Life on Mars' explained

Steve, Toronto, Ontario — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:35:20 GMT

There was a humanoid civilization on Mars that was destroyed by a cataclysmic event. This occured less than 2,500 years ago. Remnants of this society are potentially going to exist. It should be interesting as these things come to light.

'Life on Mars' explained

Reinier, Miami, Florida — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:35:30 GMT

to me it's just an ordinary rock from mars that looks like a mermaid. i will be amazed if there a hidden civilization on Mar's. sense why any alien out there would be interested in our own civilization any way.
we don't even have a warp-drive or anything like it nor a ship that's the size of three football field's.

'Life on Mars' explained

patrick abilene,tx — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:35:47 GMT

just go to your local gravel pit,dump,and bring your camera,those pics could be worth a mint.you might even fight weird lights at night.

'Life on Mars' explained

bud , Medford Ma — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:40:03 GMT

Its Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, he has not been seen in practice since the game against San Diego Chargers. just kidding
Look at the clouds of gas in the Eagle Nebula towers and you will see cat formations.

'Life on Mars' explained

Home Schoolers Hilliard, Ohio — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:41:50 GMT

Love the stereo image provided! My elementary children have been excitedly enjoying this new way to view NASA photographs! We can see with more clarity the way the winds on Mars have such an effect on the environment. Thank you NASA. P.S. My 7 year old's vote on the "mermaid", she said, "It's just an interesting shape".

'Life on Mars' explained

Anne Ostavani, FL, USA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:47:51 GMT

Research: Going back through old newspaper headlines (In particular those from Chicago) and front page photographs, one sees that every year for a long time the "canals" on Mars were visibile to high powered binoculars and simple telescopes, Mars had "seasons" where the polar ice would melt and fill the canals. The canals went for thousands of miles STRAIGHT, and over 100 miles wide, no bends of curves. Lately NASA has touted the "discovery" that there was water at one time and a "possibility" of "canals", hey this is NOT new stuff, the Government is just telling us it is "new". People that were alive back in the 1950's and before could SEE these things from Earth, ask them if they remember it. Water + Atmosphere = Life as we know it, vegetation (the "canals" DID have bands of "green" on either side of them), possibly animals, maybe even INTELLIGENT life, that fed off the vegetation, harvested it, stored it for the dry season... then the water got less and less, the poles still melt but the water dosn't travel as far as it used to...check this out, research it, the facts are in the headlines of newspapers all over the world, it was a BIG deal when Mars came closest to Earth every few years, just like the Comets now, a LOT of people went outside to look at it, photos were taken, eye witness accounts recorded, etc.

'Life on Mars' explained

Matthew F. Clough — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:54:41 GMT

"Nothing to see here"

Even if that IS a rock it's taller than 2 inches - are you kidding me?

Here we go again - it's like they speak to us as if we were children whenever a growing number of people talk above a whisper about the mere possibility that we might not be alone - considering the REALITY of extraterrestrial existence other than this rock.

"They" dont have to cover anything up - we're so confused about anything that could be more significant or, god forbid, more intelligent than us we do it OURSELVES.

And it's been that way since the beginning. Just the way the notorious "They" wanted it to be.

I've never been a "conspiracy buff" - but I can think for myself.

'Life on Mars' explained

Randell L. Vandeventer Switz City, IN — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:56:17 GMT

It would be foolish to limit God in Hia abilities: whether there was life on Mars at one time or not is hard to say at this point, but I do believe there are other life forms that we may or may not know about - just to know God......His creative ability goes far beyond our reasoning, and He is not obliged to call a Summit or Cabinet Meeting to gte our opinion.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jay Butler — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:03:39 GMT

A formation like this they usually call a hoodoo, an outcropping of rock eroded into a recognizable shape like a castle or a teapot. I like the "Martian Goddess".

'Life on Mars' explained

Marvin, McCool Hill, Mars — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:11:47 GMT

Ok, all the people involved in projects exploring life and the universe,--all or most of them are sincere and devoted to that pursuit. However, the people FUNDING these projects are thinking more about natural resources. "There's gold in them thar hills!"...black gold...copper is about three bucks a pound. If there was once carbon based life on Mars and we could prove that, WE KNOW that the carbon based life is now dead.. and what does long dead carbon based life turn into a billion years later? Texas tea.
The first manned mission to Mars will have a giant drill bit in tow and be escorted by a convoy of tankers. Good I say, we need natural resources. What would the price of one barrel be with Martian imports?

'Life on Mars' explained

Mike W - New Holland, PA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:12:03 GMT

It's scary to think that there are that many kooky people out there that believe this is anything more than just a rock and some funcky shadows. Beside that conditions on Mars cannot sustain life - any life. And what about all the bedtime storys we learned as children . . . everyone knows mermaids live in water!

'Life on Mars' explained

Scott Cline — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:21:50 GMT

It's probably the 2" tall ornament on the hood of a buried Martian vehicle. We need a space expedition to Mars to dig out the rest of the vehicle.
Who on Earth (or what extra-terrestrial) made the Grandfather shape on Grandfather Mountain in N.C., or the famous former Old Man of the Mountain shape in New Hampshire?

'Life on Mars' explained

Ludwin Martinez — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:30:51 GMT

Has anyone considered the possibility that this is a small artifact recently unearthed (or rather "unmarsed") by the powerful winds of Mars? After all, dynosaur bones were preserved in petrified form for millions of years under the ground. It could also be metallic, which would allow it to survive even longer. Just a thought, nothing more.

'Life on Mars' explained

Susan Davis, Fort Worth,Tx — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:31:35 GMT

I have been fascinated by ET's since I was a small girl (now 50). As an RN, I rely to a great extent on empirical evidence, but I'm also attuned to ointuition. The same holds with science. Where would we be if past researchers/scientists didn't pursue microscopic organisms? Back to the "Mermaid", the details aren't too clear in the photographs, butthere ap[pears to be too much intricacy in the "arm", such as the elbow, where it bends, and the shading. For one, a part of my romanticizing the possibility of ET's would like for it to be a life form, but, I will wait for further images. I do believe that more will be revealed to us. It's a matter of time.

'Life on Mars' explained

Don Spencer, Alpena, Michigan USA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:25:24 GMT

After looking at the photo posted at the link provided by Lynne Marie Merrick, clearly this is an image of Aunt Jemiamah. She is about to pour syrup over the stack of pancakes to her right. But first she has to clean up the tomato soup she spilled on the kitchen floor in front of her. As a child, I would spend sleepless nights staring at the wood grain pattern in the paneling of my bedroom. I discovered all sorts of people and creatures lurking in the wood. Does this mean there exists a race of beings from the 6th dimension that are protruding into our space? The mind sees what it wants to see. Plain and simple. As mentioned in a previous comment, our own planet is filled with natural structures that when looked at a certain way, resemble faces or bodies or other objects that we can identify with. The only definitive way to determine the existence of past intelligent life on Mars is to dig for it. We must send a team of Martian archeologists to search for a fossil record that (I hope and believe) may be buried beneath the surface of Mars. Expecting those hardy little rovers to stumble across evidence of past civilizations is akin to sending your Golden Retriever into the woods in hopes of bringing back a T-Rex bone! Which he probably wouldn't do anyway, since it would actually be a fossilized rock instead of an actual bone! Let's take these "discoveries" with a grain of salt. Any conspiracy that NASA may be involved in, is a "conspiracy" to stir up more public interest in Mars and space exploration in general to increase their funding. And I am all for that! It's a dog eat dog world in Washington and you have to fight tooth and nail for every dollar. So, let NASA and the world press print as many of these photos as they want, bring in the parade of "experts" to state the case that this is indeed a statue of a Martian, do whatever it takes as long as the Beltway gives NASA what they want! To quote a line from the movie "The Right Stuff"--- "No bucks, no Buck Rogers" And if you will allow me to steal one more quote, this one from Dennis Miller, "Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong."

'Life on Mars' explained

Shirley Stafford — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:43:12 GMT

Alas, Jimmy Hoffa is alive and well on Planet Mars...

'Life on Mars' explained

Joe Blow San Jose CA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:09:05 GMT

The number of commenters that think this is evidence of life on Mars boggles my mind. Are you all crack heads?

'Life on Mars' explained

rick ballarat melbourne — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:27:45 GMT

Its a rock formation for gods sake.

'Life on Mars' explained

Alia, Leeds,u.k — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:42:16 GMT

Why is it so hard to believe that there is life on Mars?

'Life on Mars' explained

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:43:34 GMT

I don't know how long after the rover took the picture that they saw this feature but you'd think that the rover was still in the vacinity whne they did see it. Soooo..why didn't they just turn the liitle buggy around and home in for a real close up of the thing?

Bill Murray and ABeveage and others who think along these lines are right. It's the peoples' money up there so step outside the your NASA Mars science cocoons NASA and give us a lot more than drill holes layered rocks and instant rebuffs!!

'Life on Mars' explained

BigQ37042, clarksville Tenn. — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:44:45 GMT

why is there only one picture? I think that the scientist should take more picture of this spot in sequence to see if it moves or something... if its not there to mmorrow its bigfoot.
oh yeah why is this rock so dark look around the rest of the picture the other rocks are orange. and ill also add if u look at a better picture of this you will see another one that look like its is ducking or trying to hide. Nasa lies all the time i wouldn't belive them if they told me sugar is sweet, for all i no this picture could have been taken on earth.

'Life on Mars' explained

sophie hall, Perth, Australia — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:58:24 GMT

well yes. i guess its fair to say theres no life on mars, but what about underneath, what about underneath all the rock. We have a good idea that there is water underground, right?? so whats stopping living organisms surviving, growing crops, making homes down there where its cool.

if what i say is possible then we cant say that no one lives on mars. we cant say that theres no such things as aliens or martians. that the mars mermaid is just a rock formation. What if its not just a rock formation what if it is an alien, thats come up from underground for some fresh air, or even come up to see whats weve sent on the surface to find them.

just for once don't look at the science. think maybe they don't survive on oxygen and maybe just maybe, their bodies are nothing like ours, maybe theyre like worms or a super advanced species of us. you don't know, maybe its a alien from another planet exploring. we don't know. but you can't just say its a rock formation and then dismiss the whole subject. think about it, study the picture, wait and see. you never know if NASA is hiding classified information about aliens, they can't hold it forever eventually they will show themselves, and NASA won't be able to do anything about it.

'Life on Mars' explained

Jen Harl, Nauvoo, IL — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 04:58:55 GMT

Whether or not there is life out there remains to be seen but to think that we are the only living beings in vast infinite space seems a little egotistical of us, don't you think????

'Life on Mars' explained

David Hicks, Pittsburg, CA — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 05:00:03 GMT

It's a rock shaped by the wind and sand. And soon, because it's tiny, it will be eroded to nothing. There are other rocks nearby of similar color. This one probably would not look humanoid at all from a different angle. I have seen rocks shaped like humans and other creatures, not to mention ones shaped like artifacts made by humans, right here on planet Earth. Ditto with shapes in tree roots and bark.

'Life on Mars' explained

E. Hauer — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 05:30:35 GMT

Those of you who speculate about the truth are unfortunately not prepared to receive the truth. The War Of The Worlds experiment proved that. Ever since, your government has deemed that truth must be held in the highest of secrecy. The few of us left who have been there from the first discovery are just "crazy old fools" now. The only way you will ever find out the truth is if your government is destroyed. And we all know that will never happen.

'Life on Mars' explained

Zac Clark, Cheyenne, Wyoming — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 06:04:34 GMT

There's no way that was created by the wind. if wind did that, shouldn't more pictures have formations like it? plus, it's too detailed to be wind. and i also noticed some strange figures that seem to be making their way towards the object in question. care to explain NASA?

'Life on Mars' explained

Cyberbian, Boston, MA — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:20:06 GMT

What's the problem with it being two inches high?
Everyone knows Martians are litte green men.

My first thought was that someone at NASA was having some fun too! But I would have used a Buddha statue and made sure it was a detailed image, if it were me
pranking. Who would prank with a Mermaid statue?

'Life on Mars' explained

going on with my day — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:32:10 GMT

as far as the question of wind on mars, im more than convinced by the, at times, global sandstorms that are well documented. the thought of a meteorite came to my mind like an earlier commentor.

i kind of feel bad for people who spend so much time busying themselves with finding a "humanoid" rock formation or discussing free mason moon colony conspiracies instead living a productive, worthwhile life. reminds me of that charles nelson reilly episode of the x-files.

'Life on Mars' explained

Dr. Serendipitous, Jacksonville, FL — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:07:06 GMT

Here is an outline of alternative, if somewhat more plausible, theories concerning this 2-inch explanation by a NASA spokesman. The link is below:

http://aviewfromthefringe.blogspot.com/
2008/01/man-on-mars-already.html

'Life on Mars' explained

priyatam,reading, uk — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:41:32 GMT

hi, i was excited to have a alien friend. if you dont think it is true but i believe there are aliens in space. ARE people ever gonna find the mysteries on earth for example bremuda triangle. how would they prove that.

'Life on Mars' explained

Mike Sheehan, Arlington Heights, Illinois — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:07:52 GMT

Just as I thought. Much like the "face" in the Cydonia region, this has turned out to be some rocks and shadows. Check out this hi-res image of the "face" to see what I'm talking about. It is a narrow angle photograph from the MGS Mars Orbiter Camera.
To those of you who claim that there are no Earth analogues for this type of ventifact, where did you get your degrees? Bob's Geology School? And what is this rubbish about the pigmentation? For one thing, these are false color images. If you look at the image data, much of the "Mermaid" has the same albedo as the surrounding massive rock.
You wackos need to stick to conspiracy theories about the government and veer away from any type of science before you drive us all nuts too.

'Life on Mars' explained

Mike Sheehan, Arlington Heights, Illinois — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:16:05 GMT

And one more thing: you can get these images at more or less the same pace as the geologists who analyze them. Get over the conspiracy theories already. They are all posted at the MOC and THEMIS websites. They have too many images to sort through individually. Fortunately this was the main "after-the-fact" problem with data from the MGS and MO -- too much data and too few scientists to analyze it all. Sorry about the previous post without the links. Here they are:
The face: http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/extended_may2001/face/
The THEMIS (thermal emission imaging system) site: themis.asu.edu
The MOC (Mars Orbiter Camera) site: www.msss.com

Now you can all check out anything you want about any part of Mars. See the images first hand, read about how to interpret the data, and quit being such nutters.

'Life on Mars' explained

"Commander LA" — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:50:28 GMT

So... I think it's real... certainly the form and shape of the person is NOT the same as the type of rock formations around it. Having a little geology.. if you look at the rocks around it, they are all rounded edges and like a slate type rock with layers of rock piled one on top of the other... like either hot lava that was cooling and piles in short bursts of laval making that type of rounded formation.. or there must have been lots of wind. In arizona, this type of rock exists, and the landscape supports a similar type of geology. HOWEVER, the girl has TWO colors of stone, not just the one.. suggesting a dress with 7/8 or 3/4 length sleeves and open neck. The knees folded like a person who has been kneeling and then leaned back for a moment of rest, common in gardening is also supportive of a PERSON... NOW the biggest. The arm extended is NOT the same rock formation as any other... the others are a flat rounded type.. like rounded poker chips on top of each other.. the sharper angles, head with chin and then neck cuts UNDER the form and then a single extension to form the arm... NO... this is not a similar rock formation.. further.. it appears to have something green at the knees similar to a plant.. I suggest you have someone gardenting... looking for food or cultivating. Since most folklore is supported by fact and then extended.. I could believe with missing cultures like atlantis... that humans could have landed on Mars... and evolved into a new species that can survive in their atmosphere.. how different is it? We have people.. they have people... we have plants... they have plants... certainly, they are similar enough in shape and form to be from our same Creator or one known to Him... Try dropping FOOD and SEEDS and some EARTH PLANTS that grow food... maybe Potatoes would grow there OK... and lets see if anything changes... do we later have potatoe fields... WHEAT seeds would be useful... a near perfect food for us. Maybe we could cultivate food there for import to earth.... we have enough but... maybe it would help them. Although if they are from a different creator.. then the plants they are cultivating may not be useful for us.

Perhaps.. like the stories of "the centre of the earth" there are people at the north pole escaping the cold by living in some shell that leads to the center where it's warm as the Jules Verne Story suggests.. and people on Mars escaping the heat by living under ground or in caves we can't see... both groups leaving only for food... or perhaps like the danes who were sentenced to the BOG for breaking rules... we have some exiled people from earth or some other place...

QUESTIONS... but in any event. The formation of the woman does NOT match the geology.. more likely a woman . I would like to see another pass to see if she is still there.. or if there are any other similar formations... in the far bottom right of her picture not enlarged.. there is another figure that looks like a kneeling MAN.. however... if you look you can see it like the pretend snake are just SHADOWS... the rock continues behind the man like formation and is connected unlike the woman who has no rock adjoining and no shadows of note. I THINK SHE IS REAL.

AND... I think NASA knows it... but that the leaders of nations wouldn't let it be known unless they kept people from being frightened by calling it NOT real.
We can tell, those in communications.

'Life on Mars' explained

Hayden Waller, Hailey Idaho — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:05:49 GMT

Everyone who is using the argument that intelligent life has never visited earth due to the fact that they could only travel at a maximum of the speed of light are simply incorrect. Einstein's laws allow for the creation of wormholes, or shortcuts, through space-time. If you think this is simply an idea of science fiction, consider the fact that we have already proven that wormholes exist on a subatomic scale in vast, vast quantities throughout the universe. Now, an advanced civilization, (perhaps one that has had millions and millions of years more time to develop than we have) would have NO PROBLEM figuring out a way to synthesize these wormholes, allowing for travel from say, The Andromeda Galaxy, in a matter of minutes... And I would like to pose a question to all skeptics, Why is it so hard for you people to accept the fact that there could very easily be intelligent life elsewhere in the universe?

'Life on Mars' explained

Carl Finn — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:30:46 GMT

This so called rock wind carving on Mars might be a Martian paperweight that fell out of one of the UFO's that the government says doesn't exist. What's the odds?

'Life on Mars' explained

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:13:24 GMT

Mike Sheehan:..That Mesa's a real butte !

'Life on Mars' explained

Anthony Fisher, Yulee Florida — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:06:58 GMT

For Robot Rover.."the image or marker" is pointing where to dig for water! Want to find H2O, there it is. Enough said!

'Life on Mars' explained

Probable Melbourne — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:11:20 GMT

Wellll……Thinking out side the square
If we break our life down, we are mammals with organs designed to breath in a gas we call oxygen,
but is it not possible that gas which is poisonous to us may be perfectly sustainable to others.

Whu do we measure life in comparison to what we see and expect, is there any rules ?

did we create these rules ...i doubt it because
even the smartest person alive is still trying to figure it all out.

I don't believe the current measure for life on other planets is correct. We need to think out side the square in this regard instead of building up an exact image and theory.

Logically speaking if we with our naked eyes can see example of wonder, that is our earth, human self and plant and animals etc etc
And we see planets and galaxy’s been created. The wonder of our universe is very real
Then Is the creation of life to inhabit these other planets not probable.
Other wise What’s it all for,
The human being is brilliant in its form and so to the eco environment that we live in
The energy and brilliance in the creation of the universe is greater than what we see on earth
The energy is not building this, so that we can marvel and take photographs
I recon….as certain as the stars ….there is life on it. It comes for the Allmighty Creator.

'Life on Mars' explained

Joel, PA — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:29:46 GMT

The coloration matches that of the surface of the other rocks that are in shadows. Looking at the high-res image the large group of rocks directly below the one in question has a rock with one side in the shadows that has the same coloration as the rock being discussed. As for the comment about all the other rocks being sharp and having no flowing lines: Did you even look at the high-res picture? The same group of rocks below this one again shows signs of natural wind-erosion and smooth flowing curves in the rocks due to this erosion. What is actually being seen is the edge of a rock that is jutting out from the sand, the main portion of which is blocking the sun leaving the shape being discussed in shadows. If you look at what appears to be the "arm" of the rock you will see the portion of the main rock that is bathed in sunlight sitting as a protrusion above the apparently flat surface of the sand. This rock apprears to actually be lying in the sand and not some strangely carved statue. Sorry guys and gals, this one wasn't much of a challenge to debunk.

'Life on Mars' explained

leah — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:37:53 GMT

ITS A ROCK!!!

anyone can tell that its a co incidence that a rock is just about shaped like a person. if there was a video of it walking about prehaps then i would believe it.

'Life on Mars' explained

Tim, Chicago, Illinois — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:18:50 GMT

"...What would happen to the state of mind of America's press if Allah (God) orders the Blacks on Mars to show themselves? Yes, Blacks!"
—Jabril Muhammad, from the book "Closing the Gap: Inner Views of the Heart, Mind, & Soul of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan"

'Life on Mars' explained

Jim, Deptford, NJ — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:28:44 GMT

We must remember this.

When high tech meets low tech, low tech gets screwed. Just check out history. Europeans screwed the black Africans, Americans screwed the Indians, Austrailaians screwed Aboriginals, Japanese screwed the Chinese.

Whoever has the high tech will screw the low tech even if their intensions are good.

If aliens have the capacity for interstellar travel, then we are the low tech.

Certain cannibal tribes believe that when you eat your enemy, you gain some of the knowledge and strength.

So, in case the high tech aliens land, lets kill them first thing and then eat them just in case the cannibals are right

'Life on Mars' explained

Mike Sheehan, Arlington Heights, Illinois — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:27:29 GMT

Here's a great picture of what appears to be a tetrahedron in Antarctica. It's very regularly shaped, so someone unfamiliar with geologic processes may believe it had been carved; but it is, in fact, a ventifact. See, http://tea.armadaproject.org/harris/12.3.1999.html (an entertaining site I came across, scroll to the bottom to see the neat rock) That is, it was carved by wind. You can do simple internet searches or read through academic journals to find all sorts of examples of the strange shapes of ventifacts. There's nothing mysterious about it.

'Life on Mars' explained

Mike Sheehan — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:32:26 GMT

That mesa's a real butte...hehehe. I'll have to remember that. Cheers!

'Life on Mars' explained

TheFallibleFiend, LORTON, VA — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:26:27 GMT

To those you think this is "most probably" a creature or statue, "Congratulations! You are an idiot!"

Here's the secret about real science: Most scientists spend their entire lives in relative anonymity, patiently analyzing obscure and diverse factoids and trying to organize the information into some discernible pattern. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they fail. Well, often they fail. But when they succeed, they succeed big.

The best explanation is that that it is naturally formed - by wind or water makes little difference at this point. Clearly the guys running the rover didn't find it all that exceptional. No reason whatever to think it's a conspiracy.

I'm reminded of a video to come out a few months ago that purported to be a UFO over Haiti. Right away people noticed that the palm trees in the picture seemed to be dupes. But there were a lot of self-proclaimed "experts" who said the technology just didn't exist for this thing to be fabricated and that the most reasonable explanation is that it was real.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMmuTy1pNcY

Then the same guy makes a vid of the same UFO in Paris.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct_9S6xiggc

It's not stupid to speculate about things, but what is utterly stupid, STUPID, S T U P I D, is for people who know squat to come out and make assertions about how it just MUST BE evidence of something extraordinary, because in their VAST experience they haven't seen anything like it.

This stuff DETRACTS from real science. If these people had a legitimate interest in science, they'd study real science, but that would take too much effort. It's a lot easier to sit around and make crap up - which wouldn't bother me, if these same people weren't going to vote for idiots who are going to decide how our scant moneys for science get invested.

'Life on Mars' explained

Amber, Osaka, Japan — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:32:09 GMT

It's a rock formation!

'Life on Mars' explained

Don Spencer, Alpena, Michigan USA — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:07:41 GMT

By the way, if NASA was, in fact, involved in a "cover-up", why did they release the photo in the first place?

'Life on Mars' explained

phil lakeland,fl. — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:23:09 GMT

There might be life out there somewhere but they are not visiting earth. If they were we would be very aware of it,not a big secret. If a life form could travel through space they would be as advanced as us or more advanced. Why sneak around if you are afraid
send a letter to test the waters first. what year is this again? get real!!!!!

'Life on Mars' explained

emma obrian — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:12:10 GMT

I sculpture rock and wood. Right here on Earth. But until this very second I did not exist to you. That is the same idea when it comes to this picture. I see a being with protective clothing on.

'Life on Mars' explained

Shilpa, Hyderabad, India — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:08:46 GMT

Hi ! i do belive there is life on mars or any other planet but in the mentioned picture it could be something sculpted AND as far as i can think rocks can get eroded horizontallly (i.e flat forms )but this one is standing upright IS IT POSSIBLE????????????

'Life on Mars' explained

Audrey F., Tacoma, WA — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 06:47:32 GMT

Well, I enjoy all the amazing photo work of space. It is such an amazing 'blessing' as a species that humans were able to see any of these 'miracles' in the expanse of the universe with our current technology we posess! It is an alien planet, so granted everything we will be seeing will be alien to us, as is only natural. Our unique development and timeline of exploration and discovery is probably what was suposedly the gift we were bestowed by our 'creator' in religious aspects. I felt compelled to reply seeing the strange message of another Tacoma WA resident, enjoy!

'Life on Mars' explained

Audrey F. Tacoma, WA. — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 07:12:53 GMT

Here is something all!! I notice by looking at more similar shadow like shapes, it looks like ANOTHER little person rock. Look in the lower left corner an inch maybe below the "Mermade". Relax and observe the natural panorama and you will appreciate much of the surface of this interesting and pretty picture of the planet.

'Life on Mars' explained

drew. groton. conn. — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 02:45:42 GMT

we can't figur out water erosion at the base of the sphinx in the middle of a desert! how do you think we can analize something millions of miles away??

'Life on Mars' explained

Richie Rick, Detroit, MI — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:11:17 GMT

this is a million dollar question. Why cant we have a better picture, a close up or sounds? the government have the material to do so. the mars rover cant move closer, its not like the rover can die. Why the rover cant video the alien moveing?
KILL THE ALIENS WITH WATER

'Life on Mars' explained

Россия.Татарстан — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 11:45:01 GMT

ети это или нет не знаю,но почему за столько времени это так громко звучит? Почему этого небыло раньше?

Vlad

[Alan adds: Usually I don't approve foreign-language messages, but I know enough Russian to give this a stab (and maybe get me in trouble in the process) ...

[I think Vlad is saying: "Whether or not E.T. exists, I don't know. But why are we hearing so much about this now? Why haven't we heard about this earlier?" Please correct me if I'm guessing wrong.]

'Life on Mars' explained

Olivia N, Sacramento CA — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:26:00 GMT

Maybe there was life on Mars at one time but I doubt we'll see it as a statue or lone Mars Lady running across the field in her green dress looking for the next cocktail party.

'Life on Mars' explained

Allissia Clark, Airdrie,Alberta,Canada — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:42:38 GMT

This image is quite the convincing one with the human like figure.What catches me is how a form of a creature like that can survive out on a mars serface without a big source of food,which I really don't know how a animal can find food on such the barron surface.Although scientists have found water on the planet.However,that creature must find its food in the water or the air.Is this a hoax? I wish i could find out for myself.Maybe the scientists could snap a video of it moving and see if it is actually what they think it is.

'Life on Mars' explained

sanjib,goma,DRC — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 01:38:34 GMT

hey its rocky all around there,so how could she(mermaid)manage to walk(amend to read:swim)

'Life on Mars' explained

Unknown, Tyler,Texas — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:07:22 GMT

Hello this picture is freaky but irritating. Because if you ask me, which you should, it's not an ALIEN!!!!!!!!! Like SOME people think. So get a life! Oh yeah, about the person that said your dissapointed because all the people from texas are saying mean things... I'm proud of it!

'Life on Mars' explained

sarah reno nevada — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:46:13 GMT

i believe in mermaids on mars

'Life on Mars' explained

Luna star, raymore mo — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:57:01 GMT

I think it's a rock - it sorta looks like a person but
you can see the ridges in the rock created by the wind.

'Life on Mars' explained

Broccan ware, Denver, CO. — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:58:16 GMT

I definitely think it's a mermaid - i love space and will barely believe in anything except this.

'Life on Mars' explained

Hunter Mirr, Green Lake, Wisconsin — Fri, 02 May 2008 20:14:22 GMT

Meramaid? You think there's mermaids? Well, actually, there could be...

'Life on Mars' explained

Hangtime55 , Canoga Park , Ca — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:27:02 GMT

Well , it seems like , once again , NASA is still busy looking under ' Grave Stones ' searching for micro-organisms . The ' rock formation ' that is on the Rover Sprit taken in January 2004 does in deed need to be further studied . I've been to other website explaining the formation as ' bigfoot ' , a danish mermaid and such or simply a rock . Beleive me everyone , I'm sure the guys up at Pasadena have Sprit in full reverse and is heading back to that area . Sprit had goten a new software upload recently that will enable it to map out it's own path up to 164 feet ahead of it self . The area where this rock formation is at is too complacated to manenuver so Sprit and a little technolgy will have to do it .

'Life on Mars' explained

Dr. Albert L. Weeks — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:51:39 GMT

NASA is trying to replenish its inflated budget with expansive, untenable, even nonsensical propaganda about "life on Mars," adding where there is or was water there was probably life," etc.

Such nonsense is laced with inaccuracies, hyperbole, and sheer fantasy--in fact, anything to bamboozle the public, Congress, even the White House about the "inevitability" or "likelihood" of extraterrestrial life.

Meanwhile, no one cares to ponder this hypothesis with any reflection or depth--say, by reading, e.g., Ward and Brownlee's excellent, sobering study, RARE EARTH. The two authors are not employees of NASA and in their book make a specialist's estimate that Earth might be unique in possessing a biosphere.

This idea, by the way, although unpopular, is not new. The late, famous Russian astrophysicist Dr. Iosif Shklovsky wrote about this just before he died in the early 1980s.

Shklovsky argued the thesis of a "unique Earth" in possessing life. Sir James Jeans, Einstein, and other eminent scientists have also suspected Earth might be unique in this way.

As to frozen liquid--if it is that--on Mars: It is called by NASA PR "water ice." Haven't we all heard, though, that there are OTHER TYPES OF ICE of a kind that is poisonous and more likely is what lies beneath the surface of that airless, lifeless, clinker of a so-called "world" called Mars? (Water, as Ward and Brownlee point out, is evidently very rare outside of Earth.) There are many types of frozen, formerly liquid acids, for example, or a liquid compound resembling noxious "dry ice"?

Shklovsky, world renown as an astrophysicist, ventured to propose that we adopt a new "neo-geocentric" point of view about our fragile, very special Planet Earth--meaning, he argued, cultivating an appreciation of the likelihood of Earth's uniqueness.

It's certainly time to critique the lame notion that if there are "billions of Sun-like stars" out there "must be" Earth-like planets orbiting them (Asimov's, Sagan's, Morison's, Shapiro's, SETI's, et al., argument).

This is like saying that if you had billions of chimpanzees pounding on computer keyboards for billions of years, sooner or later there would "inevitably" be some who would write a Shakespearean play or sonnet!

Obviously, this doesn't follow. There is such a thing in philosophy, science, and real life called UNIQUENESS. And that may well be what Earth is.

We hear sometimes that it is "arrogant" to posit Earth's uniqueness. On the contrary. It is the height of metaphysical arrogance to suppose humanoids grow like "cosmic weeds" Universewide. Projecting Earth's experience throughout the whole Universe is hardly modest!

Anyway, there is no proof of this and much doubt that Earth's likely unique experience could be replicated. Even a World Series game or world soccer match cannot be replicated and they are uncomplex affairs compared to Earth's evolution! Each type of evolution, or series of events, is unique, just as each human personality is unique. (The game analogy is admittedly a simplistic example since Earth’s evolution over its 4.5 billion years is vastly difference, more complex, and has seen far more contingencies, chance and fortuitous events that contribute to its overall likely uniqueness.)

By the way, the argument for a unique Earth contains no religious connotations. On the contrary. It has been the religious argument going back to the Middle Ages--namely, that God "in all His plenitude" created many "worlds" populated with humans.

Albert L. Weeks

'Life on Mars' explained

Tiggy England, UK, Great Britain, whatever - somewhere in Europe — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:11:38 GMT

I can't believe an earlier poster on this board said, 'Pictures don't lie!' Where has she been living? Mars?

Isn't the real question, 'Is there oil on Mars?'

'Life on Mars' explained

Darkwing Underdog, West Palm Beach, FL — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:32:19 GMT

Puhlease! As far as I'm concerned, this picture could be a fake one, made by con artists and fools! If anyone believes this crap, then they're stupider than I thought. Seriously, what kind of Martian would think of making a mermaid in the middle of a desert? It's a fricking DESERT for Fenris's sake! even if it was true, some jackhole went onto the surface of Mars and made a desert mermaid, which, personally, I think is totally pointless. [...]

'Life on Mars' explained

ash chester — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:07:01 GMT

I belive this is a test to test the reaction of the public, and the reaction has been really so what.

'Life on Mars' explained

Amanda, Jupiter, Florida — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:21:55 GMT

I am only in my teens and i think that it could be actual human being, i mean just because the "Rock Like Figure" is small does not mean anything, have you ever heard of a midget...people, my god STOP having such negative attitudes and just think there is other life somewhere else beyond Earth.

'Life on Mars' explained

David Holmes — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:36:03 GMT

Oh there are aliens out there that know about us alright, but in there eyes we are something like Albania. You know it exists, but why go there?

'Life on Mars' explained

no one in particular, — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:12:07 GMT

it's a tusken raider.

And life elsewhere wouldn't mean anything to religious people. I am not aware of any religion that states that there is only life on this planet and no where else. Not even the bible.

'Life on Mars' explained

Xanthea/Lakeland/FL — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:35:40 GMT

Along time ago people said that mermaids used to roam on Mars.I think that mermaids are real.Oh and that face last time that looked like a mask was Paul Haymens sons face.He went to Mars.Mermaids might still be alive somehow.I think that somebody put a statue on there to represent Mermaids and mark that along time ago they lived there.That "rock" or "alien" you see is a mermaid statue.

'Life on Mars' explained

yasmine — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:15:23 GMT

i think its fake bcuz mermaids or whatever that is could not survive without water or human beings could not survive wioutout air....=]

'Life on Mars' explained

sabrina phillips,owensboro ky. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:29:28 GMT

if there really is life on mars then give them time & they will show themslefs to us.

'Life on Mars' explained

Benjamin NY, NY — Wed, 06 May 2009 02:27:33 GMT

Guys, are you blind? Author are you blind too? This is a perfect sculpture of a human like figure. The wind does not make precise markings like this! You can clearly see an arm, head, torso etc..there is nothing enigmatic about it. I dont think that thing is a life-from but someone or something of an advanced life form made it for sure.