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NASA Probe Snaps Mars 'Trees'

Martian landslides create optical illusion

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2010 4:19 AM CST

(Newser) – NASA's Mars orbiter has captured an image of what looks remarkably like rows of trees sprouting from the red planet's surface. The effect is actually an optical illusion, caused by erupting sand debris and dust clouds. The photo shows an area 240 miles south of Mars' north pole where the warmer temperatures of the Martian spring are melting frozen carbon dioxide and causing landslides, the Telegraph reports.

Dust clouds erupt as frozen carbon dioxide melts off Martian sand dunes.
Dust clouds erupt as frozen carbon dioxide melts off Martian sand dunes.   (NASA)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
fykusfire
Apr 23, 2010 6:55 PM CDT
"The effect is actually an optical illusion, caused by erupting sand debris and dust clouds." Sure it is.
riffran
Jan 15, 2010 8:36 AM CST
I attempted to write a short book.....once.....good plot, good story outline...but the "filler" or fleshing out the novel was an exercise in futility...I'll stick to starting IV's, and setting bones :( if you like writing keep at it..you might just be good at it, good luck
Mr.C
Jan 14, 2010 12:59 PM CST
I don't believe it. They found aliens and are just hiding it from us all!

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