THE DEBRIS
A JUMBLE OF UNUSUAL SHAPES
The first impression of the debris in the crater is one of confusion. Normally the interpretation of crater debris is pretty straightforward, since it consists mostly of loose regolith, boulders, or lava flows. The debris in this crater is particularly difficult to interpret, but some linear and sometimes gridlike tendencies gradually become apparent. What is not apparent are the usual boulders or lava flows.
The following are just some of the unusual features, with links to pages with larger images and more detailed descriptions and discussion.
THE DAISY
This feature has an uncanny resemblance
to the earthly flower, the daisy. The white spot just above the center of
the image is the center of the "daisy". Radiating from this spot are "petals"
at 12, 1:30, 3, and 4 o'clock. The petal at 4 o'clock begins to merge with
a cell-like pattern in the debris. This cell-like pattern continues below
the daisy.
THE TRUNCATED 7
There are a number of unusually angular
fragments of debris in this crater, some of them with the characteristics
displayed by the "7". This feature resembles a 7 tilted counterclockwise
to the 10 o'clock position and slightly twisted. Notice the dark spots along
the length of the "7". These
could be interpreted either as bumps or indentations.
THE LOLLIPOP
Like the daisy, this feature seems
to be one of a kind. The "stick" points roughly toward the 7 o'clock position,
and the "lollipop" itself is just above center. Note the bump at the center
of the lollipop.
THE GEODESIC MAN
It was probably inevitable that among
such a jumble of debris some sort of facelike feature or combination of features
would turn up. This feature consists of many triangular shapes, two of which
surround the "eyes", and one at the "nose". The top of the "head" is somewhat
pointed, as can be seen at top center. The "nose" is at the center, and the
"mouth" below that, with a crooked square "jaw". While the face is
amusing, the triangular shapes are anomalous.
The above features can be seen together in the DAISY.JPG
THE TREE
The curved feature which covers
most of the bottom of this clip resembles a fallen tree. Along the "trunk"
are a number of protrusions, or "spikes", which have the appearance of branches
broken off near the trunk. Some of these "branches"
appear to extend upslope, overlying some of the debris immediately above
the tree. There are a few long, thin linear features which lie over some
circular and semicircular features. These can be seen more easily
in the larger image.
The Tree is highlighted in the TREE.JPG
THE RING AND THE DIAMOND
Either of these features by itself would raise eyebrows,
but together they are quite interesting. What might the explanation
be for either of these features? The "Ring" (on the left) has a sharply-defined
rim inside which lies a slightly convex feature over which lie several raised
linear features. These features extend outward, beyond the ring itself.
The "Diamond" is exactly that; a diamond-shaped depression bordered by a raised rim. Some elongated peices of debris lie over the top of the diamond, while the lower right border appears to be suspended above the surface, casting a shadow.
The Ring and Diamond are highlighted in
the RINGDIAM.JPG
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