"CAPSTAN & CAP" in X3D Stereo

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Category: Mars

Written by David Gannett

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“CAPSTAN AND CAP” in X3D Stereo

Curiosity Sol 1448 M100 W PDS by Neville Thompson

Link: http://www.gigapan.com/gigapans/201836/snapshots/620954

So, what’s a capstan doing on Mars? We know that Mars was once an ocean planet not unlike earth. Indeed, we have found any number of nautical artifacts scattered across the surface including boat remains, anchors, other capstans, docking cleats, docks, heavy chain and the list goes on.

The “capstan” sticks out like a sore thumb in our context view. Many anomalists jumped on this one and presented it with various degrees of expertise for consideration by the community. It seemed time to extract the 3D information and render it, hoping to improve our understanding of whatever it is.

Coming in close, our detail view shows a drum or capstan-like device clearly-designed to accommodate the winding of rope or chain. A central hole is seen on top, exactly where the axle or mounting pivot should be.

To the right and just behind the drum is a rectangular plate with two parallel lines. A mounting plate perhaps? And what’s that in the background? The large, circular “cap” appears to be the same size as the capstan. Was it part of the housing? Context is everything (or at least, important) with anomalies. Most anomalists know that if they find one anomaly, others will usually be found nearby. And that seems to be the case here: a large, heavy industrial or nautical capstan breaking apart as it comes to rest at the bottom of the one-time ocean.

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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)

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