"MINI-DISC" in X3D Stereo
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- Category: Mars
- Written by David Gannett
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“MINI-DISC” in X3D Stereo
Opportunity Sol 4888 PanCam
Link:http://gigapan.com/gigapans/206523/snapshots/618908
OK, I’ll admit it: this one bothers me. See, I have an inherent Terran-based size bias that precludes me easily believing in a race of miniature Martians. And yet, I along with other researchers continue to find miniature dwellings, tiny artifacts and morestrangenessthat seem to suggest otherwise.
As you can see, our context view is close to Oppy’s pancam. One of the flags indicating a possible anomaly is a color or albedo that doesn’t match the contextual geology. And that’s certainly the case here, as the small white disc maybe fifteen feet away from Oppy simply doesn’t fit the surrounding geology.
Ok then, let’s have a look.
In our detail view you can easily see the puzzling details. It’s a disc. With a scalloped edge. What’s more, the dome on top (and in the center as we would expect it to be) appears to be translucent, made of plastic, glass or some other material. Within, two “eyes” (stereo cameras? Sensors? Alien heads? Actual eyes?) are clearly seen.
Go ahead. Say it. It’s a miniature flying saucer, right? I really don’t want to believe that, but there it is, defying reason. Do they send Oppy over for a closer look with the chemcam? Of course not. At least not publicly.
Eventually I will collate a 3D collection of miniature anomalies for consideration. That size-bias is really getting whittled away. And it kinda hurts.
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“SO, HOW DO I VIEW X3D STEREO?”
Simple! While viewing the stereo pair at a comfortable distance, gently cross your eyes (no eye-strain) until you perceive three images all the same width. The one in the center is in 3D. Just relax into it and your eyes will automatically bring it into focus. Once you have it, you will never forget how to do it. Kinda like riding a bicycle…
For another, more detailed method of viewing X3D stereo, click HERE.
(Click for full-sized image)
