[meteorite-list] What are those blueberries on Mars?

From: Mark Langenfeld <mlangen_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:31:22 2004
Message-ID: <200402132040.i1DKeN5q076985_at_mail5.mx.voyager.net>

> Hello List,
> I guess you all have seen those pictures coming from Mars at the
> the Meridiani Planum/Opportunity site.
>
> Embedded in, and eroding out of the bedrock in the sidewall of the
> 20 m crater where Opportunity is located, are those <5mm perfect
> spherical stones.

> Regards,
> Bjørn Sørheim
>

Curious stuff, and this was my initial reaction, too. But, on closer
examination, I remain unconvinced these spherules are actually
weathering out of the exposed bedrock. It looks to me as though they're
everywhere, including on and in the "soil" above the outcrop. Assuming
these things gradually migrate downslope, I don't suppose it is
impossible for some of them to lodge in the cracks and bedding planes of
the exposed rock.

Stay tuned ...

Mark
Received on Fri 13 Feb 2004 03:40:18 PM PST