TODAY -
Female figure on Mars just a rock : The debate rages
Source: The Sangai Express / Benjamin Radford

Imphal, January 25: The idea that there may be life on Mars has been around for centuries, but the theory got a dubious boost from recently released photos of the surface of Mars (taken by the NASA robot Spirit) apparently showing a human-like figure.

Several Internet sites have glommed onto the image and suggested the figure could be alive.

But what is it? Just a rock, astronomers say.

It's hard enough to accurately recognize figures and faces across the room.

Mars, depending on when you measure it, is about 35 million miles away.

The best telescopes aren't of much help in determining surface features, and that's why NASA sent robots with cameras to Mars.

The reason many people see a figure on the Martian landscape is the same reason that people see faces in clouds, Rorschach blots, and coffee stains.

This phenomenon, called pareidolia, is well known in psychology, and it is the cause of many supposedly mysterious and miraculous events (including the famous "Jesus in the Tortilla").

Examples are all around us; in fact if you have a New Hampshire state quarter, you have pareidolia in your pocket or purse.

Strong evidence for this psychological explanation lies in the fact that the Spirit image does not look like Martian life (since we don't know what life on Mars looks like), but instead resembles life here on Earth, specifically human life.

The image is the result of human interpretation.

If you look around the full image of the area (not just the close-up), you will find several rocks and features that resemble non-human Earth life, such as armadillos and snakes.

In the right bottom corner, emerging from the sand, there is what looks like a lizard face wearing goggles and an airman's helmet.

This is of course not the first time that NASA images have been claimed to show evidence of Martian life.

A man named Richard Hoagland claimed that 1976 photographs of the Cydonia region of Mars showed a human-like face and was clear evidence of aliens.

According to astronomer Phil Plait of the Bad Astronomy Web site, if the image really is of a man on Mars, he's awfully small: "Talk about a tempest in a teacup!" Plait said.

"The rock on Mars is actually just a few inches high and a few yards from the camera.

A few million years of Martian winds sculpted it into an odd shape, which happens to look like, well, a Bigfoot! It's just our natural tendency to see familiar shapes in random objects." Even though logic and science suggest that the image is of a rock and not an animal, UFO buffs and conspiracy theorists will continue to speculate.

In fact, it will actually be pretty easy to determine whether or not the image is of alien life.

In later photographs of the area, either the same shape will be there or it won't.If it is, it's a rock (unless, of course, little Martian men can hold the same pose for weeks or months at a time).

This is exactly how the "Face on Mars" was eventually disproven.

On April 5, 1998, the Mars Global Surveyor took photographs of the same region in far higher resolution than was possible in 1976.The new images clearly showed an area heavily eroded, and that the "face" was simply the result of low image quality, pareidolia, and tricks of light and shadow.

Hoagland's theory was discredited.

Just don't tell that to the creepy, goggle-wearing Martian sand lizard.

Benjamin Radford is managing editor of the Skeptical Inquirer science magazine.

He is author or co-author of three books on skepticism and science literacy.

They can be found on his website.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Draft plan for employment generation #2
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Mangalleiba, Sopaiba, Khansin : eMing
  • Hill Areas Committee Orders, 1972
  • Interview with Neokpao Konyak, NNPG
  • Dwell in the Moment :: Poem
  • What led to resignation of N Biren as CM
  • SDGs warrant breakthroughs not breakdowns
  • No CM material since Feb 10 ?
  • Uneasy calm in state after imposition of PR
  • Students @ Class XII Exam : Gallery
  • laIAoIrb sn KoHnaH :: Seireng
  • Meiteis fear extinction before PM's boons
  • Journalists should get a uniform pension
  • 1st District Level Taekwondo Tournament
  • Follow MP's model of agricultural growth
  • Straight talk from top BJP leader
  • Different take on President's Rule
  • Imagi Sorat : Folk Narrative Arts #1 : Gallery
  • Extrajudicial Execution & Charge Sheets
  • MoU: Healthcare Access in Bangalore
  • Still Waiting :: Poem
  • Meghnad Saha: Luminary's legacy in science
  • Patra Ji, no one for CM ?
  • Resuming border trade : Misplaced priority ?
  • Focus on Governor's next course of action
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Manipur Medal Tally : 38th National Games
  • Navigating Weird Realities of Corporate World
  • The Power of Poppy - 69 :: Poem
  • Expected floods of beggars to arrive
  • Rh Incompatibility during pregnancy
  • Cherrapunji Craft Gin Raises 1.2 Million
  • Explaining 11th President's Rule in Manipur
  • Lui-Ngai-Ni - Naga Seed Sowing Fest : Book
  • 'Ensure Tamei board exams centre operates'
  • Manipur & her trysts with destinies
  • Kitovi-led NNPGs question Rajya Sabha MP
  • One should always speak of life, not marks
  • Farce of a reason for PR
  • After PR all eyes on ending conflict
  • World Radio Day at Rongdai
  • Focus on present challenges for bright future
  • Ed Sheeran brings India Tour to Shillong
  • Beauty tips for Valentine's Day
  • President's Rule has come !
  • No takers for the hot seat!
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • 50 years of Pebet @MCA #1 : Gallery
  • Kwatha Pham Kaaba :: Movie Review
  • Calls for Resignation of Amit Shah
  • Meitei eschatological belief & ethnic struggle
  • Stop border fencing & restore FMR
  • Failing in a competitive exam is not the end
  • Patra, Bhalla : Men of the moment
  • Warning to social media users amid unrest
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #2 : Gallery
  • Imagi Sorat :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Daily Habits & Mindsets of High Achievers
  • Coerced legislators' resignations
  • Right wing policies threaten gender equality
  • The fall of the AAP
  • Moving fast but to which direction
  • Onus on centre to restore order in state
  • 5 flowering plants newly recorded
  • Kangleipak's Unwavering Soul :: Poem
  • Make books & newspapers your companions
  • Pulses for a diverse agriculture
  • Exam warriors redefined
  • Sheeba Chaddha at Guwahati Asian Film Fest
  • Resignation of CM sinking in
  • Resignation unlikely to help restore normalcy
  • Manipur Statehood Day @ 1st MR : Gallery
  • Mahakumbh : Not just a religious gathering
  • Nepal with largest pictorial health warnings
  • Is war profitable market for arms manufacturer
  • Our CM & party resurrected BJP in Delhi
  • Assamese Play 'Comfort Women'
  • Reading into the resignation reality
  • No stormy session for now
  • Tarao Harvesting Fest @Chandel #6 : Gallery
  • 'Vande Bharat' Dream
  • NSS Orientation Programme at MU
  • The influence of the Golden Triangle
  • The Power of Poppy - 68 :: Poem
  • Prasanna Vithanage at Guwahati Film Fest
  • Md Alimuddin, celebrated Sagol Kangjei player
  • Condemnation of Armed Football Match
  • Webinar: KM3NeT Mediterranean experiment
  • Redefining Cancer care: People-centered
  • How thought leadership can propel your career
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #3
  • Guwahati Asian Film Fest : Day 1
  • Of guns and football
  • Armed men playing football, taunting Govt
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet