"GOLDEN IDOL" by MarsX3D
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- Category: Mars
- Written by David Gannett
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“GOLDEN IDOL” by MarsX3D
Curiosity Sol 1106 M-100 NW PDS by Neville Thompson
Link: http://www.gigapan.com/gigapans/195511/snapshots/624062
Pareidolia, the tendency of the human mind to assign meaning to random shapes, is a constant factor against which the serious researcher must maintain vigilance. Too often, the images from Mars turn into an ongoing Rorschach test for dilettante researchers who see tiny humans, UFO’s and the like everywhere they look.
That said, I will be the first to admit that today’s Context View may well be a textbook example of pareidolia. At the lower left, what looks like a large sculpture of a humanoid head lies broken in half from top to bottom.
Let’s take a closer look.
Detail View #1 shows a piece of rock that certainly seems to have everything in the right place to denote a humanoid face: chin, lips, nose, eyes and what might be some kind of headdress are seen. Plus, the overall shape of the rock is that of (half) a humanoid head. What are we to make of this?
In Detail View #2 the image has been rotated to assume a more upright posture for the “head”. It would be easy enough in PhotoShop to accentuate the various light and dark areas to render a more face-like appearance. There are notorious YouTube channels like Paranormal Crucible who actively alter such images in order to get clicks. Their interest is monetary, not informative.
So, pareidolia or a genuine artifact? I’m on the fence. You be the judge.
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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)
