I would ask members to take a look at the image below using a strong optical magnifier. Do not use digital zoom.
There are a huge number of tiny surface objects packed very close together. Some have geometrical form.
It's no wonder other researchers think there's nothing to see on Mars except rocks.
It's what can be found on the surface in between the rocks that counts.
I will endeavour to provide a close up view later showing the detail.
The image was resized to 1000 pixels and brightness reduced by 20%.
EDIT: For some reason the forum software has reduced the size from 1000 pixels to 768 pixels wide but the detail can still be seen if you look carefully.
-- Edited by Timewarp on Saturday 9th of January 2016 09:20:51 AM
I guess the downdraft/suction/air movement from the RAT brush/drill tool has caused the movement of these pieces. Amazing that the indentation of the removed piece was left behind without any disturbance anywhere else.
================================ And the explanation...
From Phil Stooke @ unmannedspaceflight.com From the Mission Manager's Report for sol 199 in the MER Analyst's Notebook:
Sol 199: Opportunity's planned RATting of target "Jiffypop" failed. The seek scan process successfully found the rock surface but a motor stall prevented any other RAT activities from taking place. The planned IDD MI images of the RAT area and remote sensing were successfully acquired.
Phil's comments The 'seek scan' is a process where the arm tries to locate the surface precisely before using the brush or RAT grinder. It touched the surface, moving some bits of rock. The rest of the RAT process was interrupted, but they got the before and after images. It's not true that only one item was moved. Blink between the images and you will see several other movements.
-- Edited by qmantoo on Sunday 18th of October 2015 12:45:10 AM
I have been looking at microscopic imager pictures from Opportunity and today I noticed a strange phenomena.
These two images are from Sol 199 and appear to show the same scene - but the pictures are different. There are elements of the picture which have moved.
Load up both these images in tabs in your browser and switch between the two again and again. You will see that one of the pieces has moved. I dont think this could becaused by wind do you?