Though visible in existing photographs of Mars's surface for nearly ten years, the sensational Martian relief has eluded observers until today's announcement by "Stone", a New York artist and musician who was looking at images of the Martian landscape online when he discovered it.
(Stone is a member of DEAD LAST.. in case you were wondering why the heck this is on our site)
Photographic images taken from different angles of the region where the finding was made, called "Valleys in Xanthe Terra", were taken by the Mars Global Surveyor's Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), and released by NASA on October 16, 2000 and October 7, 2002, respectively.
The Martian figure, which could arguably be surrounded by other fainter figures, was spotted while Stone was viewing a 3D anaglyph (below) of the region online, created from two MOC images by Malin Space Science Systems, who operates and processes data from instruments on planetary missions under contract to NASA.
According to Stone, he established the figure's outline at 1600% magnification of Malin Space Science Systems' anaglyph and that it is accurate to the pixel, with the possible exception of certain sections of the figure's top right forearm and outermost right shirtsleeve, which exhibit diminished delineation.
With a body of work that includes a number of relief sculptures, as well as exacting duplications of works by Leonardo Da Vinci and Vincent Van Gogh, Stone describes the Martian image as "what looks to be an intentionally created relief on the surface of Mars, depicting a dancing man with a mustache, sideburns and a Mohawk, dressed in a shirt, pants and work boots, who appears to be vigorously shaking his butt." He goes on to state, "As an artist, it's impossible to dismiss this as something that could occur on its own. There are too many elements that work together, from his facial features, to his proportions, to the buttons on his shirt."
(The rest of the band, nodding furiously, agrees)
3D Anaglyph of Discovery Location below
(All images of the Martian relief below can be viewed in 3D, using (red/blue) 3D glasses)
Surrounded by what could arguably be other dancing figures, the boogie'n man on
Mars, with his arms outstretched, dances the Tarantella through time. His shiny head
cocked, he appears to be sporting a mustache and a Mohawk hair style with a tuft of
shocking white (at least in this image) hair on each side of his head. Garbed in baggy
pants, a button-down shirt with billowing sleeves and what look like work boots, the
partyin' Martian man, dubbed "Captain God-Rock", shows no sign of letting up soon.
The area surrounding the Martian figure above is darkened to better outline his form.
The Martian figure's outline was established at 1600% magnification.
Mouse-over to eliminate darkened background.
"Captain God-Rock"
enlarged above, takes a bow.
Mouse-over to eliminate darkened background.
Credit for image to: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems;
M. C. Malin, K. S. Edgett, M. H. Carr, G. E. Danielson, M. E. Davies,
W. K. Hartmann, A. P. Ingersoll, P. B. James, H. Masursky, A. S. McEwen,
L. A. Soderblom, P. Thomas, J. Veverka, M. A. Caplinger, M. A. Ravine,
T. A. Soulanille, and J. L. Warren, [093 Xanthe Terra 3D],
NASA's Planetary Photojournal
3D anaglyph using:
MOC narrow-angle image M07-03304, Release date: 16 October 2000,
and,
MOC narrow-angle image E12-00248, Release date: 07 October 2002.
To view the image as a 3D anaglyph, Red (left eye) / Cyan (right eye)
glasses are required. View from a distance of 15" to 28" depending on
the size of your screen, vary this distance to adjust perceived depth.
Closer for less relief, farther away for greater relief.
More to the story...
Also a song writer who plays with the New York based Rock band Dead Last, Stone dubbed the Martian figure "Captain God-Rock", named after a song he had written years prior. Dead Last has recently announced the release of their music video called "Captain God-Rock"(watch below), documenting mankind's journey to the stars from ancient times to current day. The ten minute video also contains segments of music recorded by the band throughout the years.
Commenting on the title track (Captain God-Rock), which was shelved at the time it was written, Stone says, "We never pursued the song in the studio because we never had a clue what the title or lyrics meant. Not that writing something enigmatic isn't OK.. it's fine, but it wasn't until now that the song took on real meaning. We never even made a demo. The only track that exists is what you hear on the video (last song) with just an electric guitar, drums, and vocals. I'm just glad we had the tape running (laughs)."
Below is Dead Last's "Captain God-Rock" video
explaining how the new figure on Mars was found:
Section below reserved for shameless advertizing:
$.99
10 Song mp3 Soundtrack as it appears on the Video!
(full length 9:59)
Songs Include:
Whiskey Sky ~ Victory of the Joust ~ Mother Load
Street Show Sousa ~ Fire in the Room ~ Oh Maybelline!
Cruise Control ~ Folk Sung Hero ~ In the Forest
Captain God-Rock
Own the most collectable Poster on the Planet!
Original Artwork by STONE! Limited Printing!
24" wide by 36" high on Quality Stock $10.99
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#1 in a Series of Collectable 'Captain God-Rock' Posters!
In celebration of Rock'n On! No matter WHAT planet you're from!
Get 'em while they last!
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With the exception of frames on this page that were
intentionally darkened around outline of figure where stated, no
image has been altered.
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All images of the Martian relief on this page can
be viewed in 3D, using 3D (red/blue) glasses.
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All statements and sources contained on this page
are accurate and verified.
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