The Mars Report - August 25th 2014

Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Monday August 25^th 2014, and it is 10AM PDT as I write this article. Before I begin today’s adventure on the Martian surface, I will take but a moment to belabor a point. When I, today, looked at the front page of Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo[1] I saw two things. First, I saw that MANY of you have, through the kindness of your heart, have ‘Shared’ my plight on Facebook. Many to the tune of One Hundred Twenty-Five! Then, I noticed second thing… and my heart fell out of my chest. In the first week of my campaign to save my life I have only garnered the support of one person to the tune of ten dollars.

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Tomorrow, I have an appointment to see my oncologist. The doctor that will guide my care for many years to come, and mayhaps save my life. It will cost me ten dollars to go and see this oncologist. Once spent, I will be completely bereft of monies with which to pursue my treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. I had hoped that this fight would be one that I shared with others. That, standing beside me, were many.

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My fears are genuine, my concern is palatable, my time is nigh. Ten dollars.

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Curiosity has discovered failure, on the Martian surface. Yet, let me not tread a path upon ground I have yet to sew seed.

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Beneath this paragraph is the first image of this week’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. Each week I will endeavor to share the current location of our intrepid sojourner, Curiosity. In the image, below, you will find that Curiosity is now in the depths of the ‘Hidden Valley’ of Mars. A side-note, I find it quite encouraging that NASA/JPL (with the help of EU’s Martian orbiter) have already mapped the entire Martian surface.

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“Beneath my feet I feel the whole of mankind moving, forward. Ever changing, ever moving, relentless as death, as certain as night turns to day.” Danny Hanning

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[caption id="attachment_3438" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Map of Curiosity’s Progress on the Martian Surface[/caption]

(Map of Curiosity’s Progress on the Martian Surface)

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“For in each and every moment of our lives, we exist and transmit. Broadcasting our; lives, loves, hopes and fears. As children we listen to these broadcasts all the waking hours of the day. As adults… we dare not listen. Why?” Danny Hanning

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Our next image, for today’s edition, is of the “Bonanza King”. Bonanza King is a sandstone outcrop that is the next ‘target’ for examination by Curiosity. Having approached Bonanza King now Curiosity begins the process of scientific examination. Below, is Curiosity as it approached the Bonanza King.

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[caption id="attachment_3439" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Curiosity sitting beside ‘Bonanza King’[/caption]

(Curiosity sitting beside ‘Bonanza King’)

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“In the end, it is not our achievements or accomplishments that will define us. It is but our shortcomings that will be most remembered. Our failures; our ignorance, our bigotry, and our prejudices it is those that will stand the test of time.” Danny Hanning

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Here we are midpoint in our Martian adventure. Our next image is one of the only two color images in today’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. This is a shot of ‘Bonanza King’ after Curiosity has brushed clean the surface of the sandstone rock face. Once cleaned, then Curiosity will lower the boom-arm and begin drilling into the surface of ‘Bonanza King’.

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[caption id="attachment_3436" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity’s Brushwork on Bonanza King[/caption]

(Curiosity’s Brushwork on Bonanza King)

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“The greatest cheat of this life is that; only when facing death does man understand the true value of life.” Danny Hanning

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ON the Martian surface Curiosity lowers its arm towards ‘Bonanza King’. Curiosity lowers its robotic arm in hopes of drilling into this extraterrestrial sandstone and unlocking secrets. Great anticipation rides on this action, by Curiosity. You see by moving into the ‘Hidden Valley’ our intrepid sojourner moved into an area rich in sandstone deposits. Trapped, in these sandstone rocks and outcrops, is the history of Mars. By looking into them, we peer into Martian history and unlock its secrets.

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[caption id="attachment_3435" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Curiosity’s robotic Arm tests ‘Bonanza King’[/caption]

(Curiosity’s robotic Arm tests ‘Bonanza King’)

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“The future that mankind creates today is one of deep darkness. A darkness that will make our last ‘Dark Ages’ pale in comparison. I weep for mankind. For we know not what we do.” Danny Hanning

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Now, for our final image of the day. My Dear Readers, I thank you for dropping by. For reading my words. For viewing these images at my side. For, you see, for the past several moments we have stepped outside our lives and into a larger existence. One day mankind will walk on these very spots on the Martian surface. We will transcend the bounds of this Earth, and take our rightful place among the stars. I share these images with you, My Dear Readers, so that… if but for a moment you and I stand in our future. We stand along side a mankind that has chosen to venture forward. For yet but a moment, we leave behind this world of pain and suffering and live in our future.

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Unfortunately the testing on ‘Bonanza King’ is a failure. The rock, and/or its supporting structure, is not steady enough to hold the rock face still. The image, below, is of the failed drilling on the face of ‘Bonanza King’. I hope that, next week, I can share a success by Curiosity. However, there may be no ‘new images’ for next week’s edition. Below, the face of ‘Bonanza King’ after the failed attempt to drill into its face, and the Martian past.

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[caption id="attachment_3437" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Drilling on ‘Bonanza King’[/caption]

(Drilling on ‘Bonanza King’)

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Which brings us to the end of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’ right here at The Other Shoe. I hope that you have enjoyed your visit, and that you return soon and often. AS always I have enjoyed your visit, My Dear Readers, and look forward to your next visit. Remember that, right here at The Other Shoe, there are over Five Hundred Articles to read and enjoy. There is never a shortage of great reading here at The Other Shoe!

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Now, if I might take just a minuet of your time, today? My dear Readers, my name is Danny Hanning. I was born and raised in Southeast Texas; born in Houston and raised in Pearland (if you follow Little League you might know that our team kicked butt this year!). Currently residing in sunny Southern California in the town of Westminster right next to Huntington Beach.

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Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. For the past week I have been desperately trying to raise the money I need to fight this heinous and insidious bodily invader. My campaign Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo [2] is my only way to raise the funds I need. This first week has been… difficult for me. IN that in one week’s time I have only garnered the support of one person to the tune of $10. Whereas, I am completely flattered by Jason Kleppinger’s contribution, I hate to admit that $10 just is not going to get me very far.

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Therefore, I am… asking… begging for your assistance. My Dear Readers I have a long an arduous journey ahead. I have spent a great deal of time reading about this cancer. Ahead of me, the first several months, is the biggest battle! Once it is determined which ‘stage’ of cancer I am… at? Then starts the; chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatments, Porta-Cath(s) surgeries, and endless tests, appointments, and… nausea and vomiting. This is the battle where I need your help most!

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I do not have the financial resources with which to fight this battle, alone. I would not ask…. But I NEED YOUR HELP!

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I am not asking for a fortune I am just asking for some help… now. Within the next two weeks I will be staring chemotherapy. My Dear Readers I am unable to afford the proper chemotherapy rugs. I am on Social Security and my healthcare is Medicare and Medi—Cal. Without your support I fear that I will not have the proper medications to battle my cancer. As well, I do need help with things like; a better proper diet, lost income from my roommate/caregiver loosing time at work to help me.

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This cancer will wreak havoc on all parts of my life! I just want to be able to fight this cancer and still manage to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head. This is not the case with this drain on my; body, resources, and life! I would not ask for this assistance if I have any other CHOICE!

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All you need do is click the ad below! It will take you to my Indiegogo campaign. There you can make any size contribution you desire. Any size contribution will help me battle my cancer. Thank you for your time, and your consideration.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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PLEASE DONATE to

Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo

[caption id="attachment_3338" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Danny in Rolling Hills Estates August 12, 2014[/caption]

PLEASE GIVE!?!

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[1]https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/danny-s-cancer-treatment-fund/x/753895

[2]https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/danny-s-cancer-treatment-fund/x/753895#home

The Mars Report - June 6th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2966" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Impact Scar Detected-in Mars Weathercam Image[/caption]

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 Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. I apologize for the delay in the publication of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I have, yet, to write about it but my health is giving my fits and starts. For three days, this week, I had golf balls under my armpits, and fevers that would come and go within a day. I desperately need to get to my doctors, but I am unable to do so by myself. Anywho, I am here now and I have a pretty incredible edition of ‘The Mars Report” for everyone to read and enjoy.

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Just a little promotion, before we get started, of yesterday’s article here at The Other Shoe. Yesterday, and just below this article I published the Tenth edition of ‘The Horror in Smithville’ (click that link to go directly to the story). Yesterday’s episode saw a turn in the luck of our two hero’s, Timmy and Archer, and the introduction of an all new character – Mr. Champion. I would get into any spoilers, but Mr. Champion… is… well, special. And not to tip my hand too much, but you might be seeing a lot of Mr. Champion in upcoming episodes. If you haven’t, already, be sure to drop by and give it a read. Later today I will be publishing another review of all the parts (episodes) so far. So, if you have never taken the time to read this tale of adventure and horror? You will be able to go to one place to get caught up on the adventures of Timmy and Archer… and ‘The Tall Man, too.

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Today we visit the Martian surface not for any accomplishment of our sojourning rover, Curiosity. No, today we are going to see images from Mars of the “Best Ever Pinning Down of When a Space Rock Hits Mars.” It really is an incredible event, from a scientific point of view, and helps me to bring to focus just how in touch for the events on Mars America is. This is a ‘Good Thing’ for America and for the furtherance of our people and our species. As I relayed in the earlier edition of ‘The Mars Report’ right here on Wednesday of this week, America needs to focus on exploration and colonization of Mars.

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This is not just my opinion, but the opinion of the National Research Council, too. As stated in their report[1] to NASA and Congress (‘Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration’), the need for timely exploration and eventual colonization of Mars is of the up most importance to scientific development and the continuation of our species. This goal was firmly in mind when NASA planned (and launched) the ‘Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’[2] projectand the largest rover ever to land on another planet, ‘Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity’ project[3]. It is no coincidence that, for the first time in the history of man, we have a rover on the Martian surface at the same time we have a scientific laboratory in Martian orbit.

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As well, for the purposes of this article this combination of scientific platforms has allowed us to make the single timeliest observation of a galactic body crash to the Martian surface. My Dear Readers, this is (really) a major scientific achievement. An achievement that should have been heralded from every rooftop, by every media outlet and held up as the accomplishment that it truly is. You see, this is what is possible… this is our potential as a nation, a people, a species. I am happy, and honored, to share this achievement here on my blog.

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At the top of this page you will see one of the very first images that altered NASA of the strike. The image was taken by Mars Color Imager (MARCI) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter[4] on May 9^th, 2014. I am bringing these images, and this news, to you just a matter of a couple of weeks later. Honestly, I had all these images ready… last week. If it hadn’t been for the gold balls under my arm pits… and this nagging fever, well I would have broken this news… ,like, an actual news outlet! J

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[caption id="attachment_2968" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Large, Fresh Crater Surrounded by Smaller Craters[/caption]

(Large, Fresh Crater Surrounded by Smaller Craters)

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Now, the image above of the largest impact crater associated with the March 20^th, 2012. The crater is 159 feet wide and is surrounded by several other smaller craters. Further… well here is the statement directly from the NASA/JPL web site;

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“It is the biggest fresh impact crater anywhere -- not just on Mars -- ever clearly confirmed by before-and-after images.”[5]

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The exploding asteroid rained debris at the time of impact, resulting in the creation of the surrounding smaller craters. This image was taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

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[caption id="attachment_2964" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Best-Ever Pinning Down When a Space Rock Hit Mars[/caption]

(Best-Ever Pinning Down When a Space Rock Hit Mars)

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Like I wrote, earlier in this article, with the images I am sharing here today. NASA/JPL managed to develop the ‘Best pinning down of when a space rock hit Mars” in the history of our observation and exploration of Mars. Now, remember, that NASA/JPL made this accomplishment in spite of what the National Research Council called “an anemic budget”. Just image what scientific accomplishments and exploration American scientists could do with adequate funding!

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[caption id="attachment_2965" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Fresh Mars Crater Confirmed Within Impact Scar[/caption]

(Fresh Mars Crater Confirmed Within Impact Scar)

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The image above is not quite as clear to the naked eye. I had to download this Image and blow it up with my own programs to clearly see the crater. Yet, if you take a moment and really focus on this image, you can make out the outline of the impact crater, in the middle of this image. I include this image because it was in the series that NASA/JPL presented on the web site. I feel strongly that I should do my best to share all the image, all the evidence when I relay discoveries and scientific accomplishments to you, My Dear Readers.

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[caption id="attachment_2963" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Before-and-After Views Confirm Fresh Craters[/caption]

(Before-and-After Views Confirm Fresh Craters)

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The images above were taken by the Context Camera (CTX) aboard the NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The image on the left was taken on January 6, 2012 and the image on the right was taken (by the same camera) on April 6^th, 2014. Remember, that these images are being taken from miles above the Martian surface. I think that these black and white images are a lot better, as far as being able to clearly see the impact carter, than the color comparison images above.

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[caption id="attachment_2967" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Landslides Near Fresh Crater on Mars[/caption]

(Landslides Near Fresh Crater on Mars)

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Which bring us to the image above, the last image for this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. This image was taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on April 6^th, 2014. The impact of the exploding asteroid appears to have caused landslides in the area of impact. Again, this is great science that NASA/JPL are involved in, here on the Martian surface, millions of miles away from Earth. The presence of the rover Curiosity and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have given American scientists a unique opportunity to make scientific discoveries in a timely fashion. What would, from earth observations only, would take decades of observations and imaging is, right now with our dual presence, taken only a matter of twenty to twenty-two months!

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My Dear Readers, I am not so sure that I adequately conveyed the importance of this discovery. Conveyed how much of advancement, to previous means and methods, this discovery has made. Worry not, I have months and months more of this mission to cover, and tons more scientific discoveries and observations. I am sure, that in time, everyone will understand the importance of the dual scientific and exploratory tools. The opportunity that NASA/JPL has brought to not only American scientists and astrophysicists, but to the whole of mankind. It really is just a matter of time before mankind looks on Earth as our starting place… our crib. Only a matter of time before mankind sees all of our solar system as its home, and the stars and universe beyond as obtainable.

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We live in a very special time, My Dear Readers. A time of great discovery and accomplishment. Through my work here at The Other Shoe I hope that I expose all of you, My Dear Readers, to some of these accomplishments and the potential of our aspirations in the stars. Earth is where mankind started out. Earth should not be where our species… ends. We heave it in our spirit to move West… to land on the moon. I have no doubts that if mankind were to set his sights on the farthest star from our own. That in time, we would reach our goal.

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The only limitation mankind has, is the reach of his imagination.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!
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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

 

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[1]http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=18801

[2]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/

[3]http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/#.U5JBc3KwL-4

[4]http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/mro/pia18381/#.U5I-jXJdX84

[5]http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/mro/pia18384/#.U5JPfXJdX84

 

The Mars Report - June 4th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_28" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Lowered By 'Sky Crane' to Martian Surface[/caption]

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                Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. It has been more than a week since I wrote, and published, an edition of ‘The Mars Report’. However, today’s edition just could not have come at a better time. For those of us that, daily, look to the stars and dream of living in outer space or another planet? A report from the National Research Council (named ‘Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration’) outlines the genuine necessity of planetary exploration and colonization, a goal, which I have strong, and positive feelings about.

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The report, written by a committee of experts in space exploration was mandated by Congress and sponsored byNASA, sets the goal of “putting a man on Mars”. This is consistent with NASA’s long-term vision for space exploration. However, the report noted, current funding for NASA is “too meager to reach the goal”.[1]The report also states that it is “in the best interests of the United States” to include China in future space partnerships. This goes against a recent law, drafted and sponsored by Republican Congressman Fran Wolf (Virginia).[2] Quite honestly, the future of the human race is far more important than trumped up ideas about ‘national security’ drummed up along party lines.

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The report also pointed out that the current budget for NASA “is anemic” and does not provide enough funds for two major projects essential to their long-term goals. The first of these projects is the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a large airborne infrared telescope, which is currently grounded. The second project is essential for any manned Martian space flight, the Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift rocket and the companion Orion deep-space crew capsule.

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My Dear Readers, these projects and NASA’s budgetary limitations are the result of partisan politics and the victim of an austerity based budgetary mindset. This is not just inconvenient for NASA these (rather short sighted) decisions could well place the very future of our species at risk. The report made that point very clear by emphasizing the “‘aspirational’ reasons such as the shared destiny of humanity and the ultimate survival of the human species”. The current population of our planet is seven billion and shows no sign of decreasing. Further, with the most recent meeting of environmental scientists releasing a statement that “Global warming is likely to accelerate at a much faster pace and cause more environmental damage than previously anticipated…”[3] Mankind would be best served by Terraforming a planet, like Mars, sooner rather than later.

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In just the introduction of this paper, the experts on space exploration, stated:

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“Today the United States is the major partner in a massive orbital facility - the International Space Station - that is becoming the focal point for the first tentative steps in commercial cargo and crewed orbital space flights. And yet, the long-term future of human spaceflight beyond this project is unclear. Pronouncements by multiple presidents of bold new ventures by Americans to the Moon, to Mars, and to an asteroid in its native orbit, have not been matched by the same commitment that accompanied President Kennedy s now fabled 1961 speech-namely, the substantial increase in NASA funding needed to make it happen. Are we still committed to advancing human spaceflight? What should a long-term goal be, and what does the United States need to do to achieve it?”[4]

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It is time for the future of our species to come before partisan politics. Time for the budget, for space exploration and settlement, of the single wealthiest nation on the planet equal the scope of the task at hand. It is worse than foolhardy for hyperbolic partisan politics to pinch pennies when it comes to the very future of our people, our species! We simply cannot wait for another Kennedy-like President to come along and enamor the public and challenge our Congress with a national goal in space exploration. We simply must find a way to do the ‘Right Thing’ for the preservation of our nation and our species without a President Kennedy to lead the way.

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For the past hundred years science fiction writers have put on paper visions of our future. Everything from geosynchronous satellites to cellular phones were first dreamed of by science fiction writers in novels of a better and more technologically advanced man. How many men, of the age 45-55, have proclaimed, “where are the flying cars and rocket packs?” If you think about our future, if you (as a boy or young girl) read science fiction you just cannot help but be let down by the lack of scientific progress America, and mankind, has made since the Apollo missions.

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Most of us, that have these dreams, know. That the major reasons mankind does not have flying cars and jet packs? It is because of; greed, the technologically stunting disease that is ‘the politics of, and for, the wealthy’ and all the fear mongering that comes from the fringe. That when any man… a man that has the convictions that come with beliefs, and the courage of his convictions, steps forward and says “NOW is the time for America to take the lead in space exploration and colonization…” is immediately attacked and torn down by the talking heads that live among the fringe of our political system. Truly it is the fears spread by these overly loud ‘talking heads’ that occupy the fringe of our political system that rob America of the opportunity to, once again, lead our species back out into space.

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My Dear Readers, I encourage you all to take a few moments (today) and follow the links I have provided to the content I have quoted. Take a few moments and familiarize yourself with the reality of Human Space Exploration. The limitations that are placed on NASA, and by association our nation and the people of this planet. I remember a time… I clearly remember a time when boys and men looked to the stars and saw America’s future! We looked to the stars and knew that American Astronauts were taking the very first steps mankind made off of Earth. Nightly we all looked at the Moon and the stars, either with our naked eyes or through the telescopes, we begged for, for our birthdays or Christmas.

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We looked at the moon, the planets and the stars with a longing and anticipation. A longing to join Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and anticipation for when our time would come to be among the stars! My Dear Readers, I write this article not just for the boys and girls that, joined me, in looking towards the stars with anticipation. I write it, as well, for the “ultimate survival of the human species”.[5] Realize, My Dear Readers, that when the time comes… the tides of extinction will not recognize distinctions of; wealth, race, religion or party. When our planet’s tides encroach on our cities, they will drown us all. That when our air becomes so toxic it is fatal to breath? It will be fatal to breath for all Americans, regardless of how wealthy we are or what party we vote to support.

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People can deny scientific facts for as long as they want. However, one can deny gravity all they desire, yet you still will go splat when you jump off of a three story building. For centuries men denied the curvature of our Earth, they were proven wrong in a very big way. Today, even though Pope John Paul II told his Vatican Scientific advisors “the theory of evolution is now fact. The story of ‘Adam and Eve’ is just that… a nice story”. Yet, to this day, tens of millions of Americans deny the science embraced by the descendant of Peter (the “rock of the Church”) and the head of Christianity on this planet Earth… and still cling (out of desperation, like fearful of falling “off the edge of the Earth”) to a story of a single man and woman from which all of mankind… arose.

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Dinosaurs roamed this Earth for more than One Hundred Seventy MILLION years! Yet, tens of millions of Americans (honestly) believe that the Earth is only ‘thousands of years old’. My question for everyone is; will Americans stand by and allow our very species to become extinct, ‘go the way of the Dodo’, simply out of ignorance and greed? Mankind settling Mars is the logical next step for our species. Today, we posses the basic science to; put man on Mars, build viable and livable structures on Mars, and (with time) to Terraform Mars so that it is livable by humans. My Dear Readers, will Americans allow our nation to fall, our species to become extinct merely for “more tax cuts for the wealthy and businesses”?

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[caption id="attachment_2636" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter[/caption]

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It is my humble opinion that, if we allow this to happen… if we allow our planet to die and take us with it… without the space exploration and colinzation needed to extend the life of our species beyond that of this Earth? Then mankind, quite simply, deserves to die.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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P.S. My Dear Readers, I realize that this edition is not ‘like’ any other edition ever published. I had something to say… and I didn’t want pictures to distract from that point. However, I will publish ANOTHER edition, later this week, WITH PICTURES FROM MARS! Please, stay tuned for another edition of ‘The Mars Report’ with images from Mars, later this week. Thank you!

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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

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[1]http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/americas-long-term-space-goal-lets-put-humans-mars-n122481

[2]http://aviationweek.com/space/nasa-china-meet-possible-cooperation

[3]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/4626170/Climate-change-will-be-more-devastating-than-predicted-top-scientist-warns.html

[4]http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18801

[5]http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18801

The Mars Report - May 145th, 2014

Welcome back MY Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. It is, already, Wednesday and the problems with my primary blog location have been resolved. It appears that the blog is back up and working. I just wrote and published a small edition of ‘Notes from Behind the Keyboard’ to get everyone up to date. With that taken care of, now it is time to present the few new images available from NASA/JPL for the Curiosity mission. There are a large number of RAW images, but quite honestly I am suffering with the intolerable temperatures in this apartment, so I am going to keep this short, today.

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There are two great new images of the rover Curiosity. I have decided that these two images are what I am going to share, for today. If I can keep this short, I just might be able to get out an edition of ‘The Mars Report’ and ‘Lost in Space’ before I become fully involved in the writing and production of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. Quite honestly, that piece is taking up most of my time and creativity.

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Our very first image of the day is a selfie taken by the rover Curiosity’s Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) located on its arm. The image was taken to make sure that the cover was operating properly, and that sand was not building up on the wiper assembly or the door hinge. YES! This image was taken during a bit of a sandstorm on Mars. Not often that we get a shot, from Mars, taken during a sandstorm.

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[caption id="attachment_2895" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Rover Curiosirty Takes Self Portrait[/caption]

(Rover Curiosirty Takes Self Portrait)

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For our next, and final, image of the day is another selfie. This time we get a picture of the whole rover Curiosity! NASA/JPL likes to take these images frequently, so that they can monitor any damage done to the rover. So far, the rover Curiosity is fairing very well. There is no damage anywhere on the rover. This is great news for NASA/JPL and all of us that enjoy the images and science coming from Curiosity.

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[caption id="attachment_2896" align="aligncenter" width="630"] High-Resolution Self-Portrait by Curiosity Rover Arm Camera[/caption]

(High-Resolution Self-Portrait by Curiosity Rover Arm Camera)

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Well My Dear Readers that brings us to the end of today’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I hope that you enjoyed the selfies that I have provided. I am going through all the RAW images, over the rest of the week. It was a slow image week for Curiosity, which gives me nothing much to share. I look forward to bringing you a full edition, next week.

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Now, back to sweltering in my apartment with a dysfunctional air conditioner… and a genuinely lazy staff. Super!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

The Mars Report - May 5th, 2014

               Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. A big welcome back to ‘The Mars Report’ for May 5^th, 2014. Tomorrow I must make a journey, by mass transit, from here in Orange County all the way into Los Angeles County, Rolling Hills Estates. I leave at 8:30AM and return home at 8PM. Yes, a twelve hour journey to see one doctor. Anywho, I am mentioning this because I am pressed for time, today. Therefore, this will be a shortened version of this storied series. Not to diminish this edition, because in this edition you will get to witness… … … Martian Dunes MOVE!

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That’s right, at the end of this issue I will share a time lapsed image, from NASA/JPL, showing dunes on the Martian surface move. Now, until we get to this point, let’s get back to the major focus of today’s edition. Since I last posted, the Curiosity rover has engaged in another scientific experiment. We had arrived at the Kimberly and had moved up beside Windjana’, a sandstone formation in the Kimberly. The image below shows Curiosity’s current location on the Martian surface.

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[caption id="attachment_2842" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Location of Mars Sandstone Target 'Windjana'[/caption]

(Location of Mars Sandstone Target 'Windjana')

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You know, I think it was really brilliant that NASA/JPL put a satellite in orbit over Mars at the same time as Curiosity’s adventures. This gives everyone the opportunity to track the rover’s progress and protects our investmentby having eyes in the sky. Below is the very first image Curiosity sent back upon arrival at the Kimberly ‘Windjana’ location.

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[caption id="attachment_2841" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Mars Rover Beside Sandstone Target 'Windjana'[/caption]

(Curiosity Mars Rover Beside Sandstone Target 'Windjana')

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Now, as I mentioned in an earlier edition, our arrival at Windjana is monumental in Curiosity’s journey because this is the very first instance of sandstone formations. So far, Curiosity, had only been around mudstone formations. This, harder, sandstone formation will give more of Curiosity’s instruments a challenge while providing more scientific evidence for future study. Below is the first transmitted image of the Windjana sandstone face.

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[caption id="attachment_2843" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Martian Sandstone Target Windjana Before and After Brushing[/caption]

(Martian Sandstone Target Windjana Before and After Brushing)

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Our next image is after Curiosity has drilled into the face of the Windjana sandstone face. You can see the darker core fragments around the edge of the bore hole.

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[caption id="attachment_2844" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Preparatory Drilling Test on Martian Target 'Windjana'[/caption]

(Preparatory Drilling Test on Martian Target 'Windjana')

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Our next two images are of sand dunes on the Martian surface. These images are taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Aye, that’s the orbiter that I mentioned above the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter that monitors; weather shifts, planetary location, and even sand dunes on the Martian surface. It is Curiosity’s ‘Eyes in the Sky’. Our next image is a stationary image of Martian sand dunes that the orbiter has been monitoring for the past several months. They look just amazing!

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[caption id="attachment_2840" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Active Dune Field on Mars[/caption]

(Active Dune Field on Mars)

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As always, I have saved the very best image for the last one of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. This image is a time lapse of composite images taken from the Martian Orbiter of the very same sand dunes that are pictured above. And, YES that is ICE on the Martian surface you see above, and below. If this uploaded correctly, and you sit there and look for a minute, you should be able to see the Martian Sand Dunes move, right before your eyes!

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[caption id="attachment_2845" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Time Lapse of Martian Dunes[/caption]

(Time Lapse of Martian Dunes)

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Well, My Dear Readers, that brings us to the end of yet another edition of ‘The Mars Report’ here at ‘The Other Shoe’. I would like top thank you, one and all, for dropping by and taking a few moments to share these incredible images from the Martian surface. It is always a pleasure to share, and have enjoyed, these images from another world… with someone. Have a great and productive week, and I will see you again right here, later this week.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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The Mars Report - April 28th, 2014

               Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Monday April 28^th 2014, and this is ‘The Mars Report’. Today I will share a duo of unique finds, from the NASA/JPL web site. Our first find is a series of five images from the Martian rover Curiosity’s ‘Right NavCam’ (Navigation Camera). Today at 4:50AM the right navcam captured a meteor falling in the distance. Now, a few eccentric bloggers are (of course) spinning this as so ‘ET’ moment. The evidence is that Curiosity’s diligence was repaid with the capture of a falling celestial body, a meteor. The next five images, below, are the images showing the falling meteor.

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[caption id="attachment_2811" align="aligncenter" width="192"] Meteor 1[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_2812" align="aligncenter" width="192"] Meteor 2[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_2813" align="aligncenter" width="192"] Meteor 3[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_2814" align="aligncenter" width="192"] Meteor 4[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_2815" align="aligncenter" width="192"] Meteor 5[/caption]

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Well, that was fun. Wasn’t it? I am not convinced that this is ‘an alien dropping to the Martian surface’, and it will take a lot more evidence to convince me of that dubious finding. Moving on, the next image I have for your consideration is a graphic. This graphic shows the purposed pathway to Martian landing by American explorers in the year 2030. The pathway below is are goals outlined in the bipartisan NASA Authorization Act of 2010 and in the U.S. National Space Policy. So, if I manage to live to 73, then I will have lived to see mankind land on the Soon, and Mars! Here’s to me living to 2030!

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[caption id="attachment_2809" align="aligncenter" width="630"] The projected pathway to Man on Mars by 2030[/caption]

(The projected pathway to Man on Mars by 2030)

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Now, My Dear Readers, we come to our final image for today’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. My Dear Readers, my health is worsening, and it is this fact which determines how much and how often I write and publish. I am no fool, I can clearly see that my traffic is lower than it has been for months. This adds to my depression, but there is little I can do to change this fact. Oh, I can push myself to publish more and more, longer and longer, and end up in a world of pain and suffering. I am pretty sure that nobody wants that outcome.

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The image, below, is the very first image from Curiosity since its arrival at the 'Windjana'target location. This is a sandstone rock, and the very first of this type Curiosity has encountered since landing. Now, My Dear Readers, I go to the NASA/JPL ‘Mars Science Laboratory’ web site, daily, looking for new and interesting or entertaining images. Today the site was bereft of such, and I have worked to provide you with some content to digest .

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Just as soon as Curiosity completes the scientific experiments, I will be sharing (with you My Dear Readers) the science and the images created. I will keep checking back, during the week, and if there is anything new I will post an updated edition of ‘The Mars Report’. Until then, I hope you enjoy the following image of Curiosity’s arrival at 'Windjana'!

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[caption id="attachment_2806" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Mars Rover Beside Sandstone Target 'Windjana'[/caption]

(Curiosity Mars Rover Beside Sandstone Target 'Windjana')

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Well, I have managed to scrounge up some more images for you to enjoy. Each and every day Curiosity transmits, what are called, RAW Images. From these images NASA/JPL refines the ones they deem worthy of media use, or scientific use. Otherwise, they are stored on the web site. Today I have put together some of these RAW images for you to enjoy.

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Unlike other images I share, there are really no descriptions or science to share, regarding the images. Therefore, I will give you an explanation of where the images were taken, and by which camera. Beyond that, if there is anything I can find to share, I will! Our first RAW image shows a bit of the rover Curiosity and the Martian horizon in the background. Honestly, I look at all of these RAW images, each week, and I really enjoy all the views of the horizon and the Martian surface. I imagine I am on Mars, and looking at the surface and the horizon. It takes me away, for a few moments, from the world of pain and doubt I live in. Here is the first of the three RAW images I have to share.

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[caption id="attachment_2808" align="aligncenter" width="630"] HandCam Second Image April 24th[/caption]

(HandCam Second Image April 24^th)

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The next RAW image I have to share is of one of the smaller wheels to Curiosity and the bottom of the MASTCAM. There is none of the horizon, in this image, but you can see a good bit of the rover.

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[caption id="attachment_2807" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Hand Cam Image April 24th 2014[/caption]

(Hand Cam Image April 24th 2014)

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Our final image of the day is another of the Martian horizon as seen by Curiosity. I really like this image. Matter of fact I took this image and adjusted the tilt, cleaned it up a bit and now it serves as my desktop for my computer. I really like Mars, if you couldn’t tell by now. This image was taken on April 24^th, 2014 near the ‘Windjana’ sandstone rock, shown above. I could just sit and stare at this image, and several others like it, for hours on end. Hoenstly, it takes me away… to another place… peaceful and quiet… calm.

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[caption id="attachment_2810" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Martian Horizon Curiosity 4-24-14[/caption]

(Martian Horizon Curiosity 4-24-14)

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And, with that, My Dear Readers, we come to the end of yet another edition of ‘The Mars Report’ here at ‘The Other Shoe’. I do hope that you have enjoyed the images I have shared. I do so look forward to your visits... your ‘Likes’ and ‘Shares’. Like I said, earlier, if there is anymore news or science discovered over the week, I will publish another edition of ‘The Mars Report’. Again, thanks for dropping by and have a great week!

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Thank YOU!

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Adieu!

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The Mars Report - April 14th 2014

                  Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Well, since I last published about Mars, April 7^th, there has been some hubbub about… well, a light… on… Mars! Yes, as on can well imagine, this had the blogo’sphere burning daylight. ‘An independent light source seen on Mars!’ Had very nutcase and shut-in burning up their ISPs with radical ideas about its source, and reason. My Dear Readers, if that is the ‘kind of’ blogging you are looking for… then this is not the place for you. Please exit stage left…

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However, if you want the scientific explanation, then you have arrived at the correct blog. First, let’s get all the anticipation out of the way. Below is one of the images that has raised all the fuss.

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[caption id="attachment_2714" align="aligncenter" width="630"] First Martian Image with Light source[/caption]

(First Martian Image with Light source)

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Now, from the left eye camera, within seconds of the image above, there is no light source.

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[caption id="attachment_2717" align="aligncenter" width="630"] SAME Spot Left EYE within one second[/caption]

(SAME Spot Left EYE within one second)

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Anyone with experience with photography will understand; if it is does not appear in both camera images… at the same time. Then it is likely not a ‘Martian trying to signal our rover’. More likely thatn not, what we have here is a very shiny natural source somewhere in the foothills of Mount Sharp. A rock surface with a very shiny surface which, when viewed at this spot from a very particular angle reflects in a camera lens. It is quite likely that, if there were humans there, they might very well not see this reflection.

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Further proof of what (and NASA) have proffered as an answer, is the image below?

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“A pair of Navcam images in the same direction from the previous afternoon has a bright spot similarly located in the right-eye image.”[1]

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[caption id="attachment_2716" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Same camera previous afternoon[/caption]

(Same camera previous afternoon)

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At least for me, this is more proof that what we are witness, is nothing more than a lens flare. If you have ever had photography as a hobby, and made either rock concerts or landscapes your forte then you will have been exposed to (even lost great images, too) lens flares. Below is our final image in this conversation. I have taken the liberty to copy and paste the text from NASA.

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“This image from the Navigation Camera (Navcam) on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover includes a bright spot near the upper left corner. The sun is in the same direction, west-northwest, above the frame. Bright spots appear in images from the rover nearly every week. Typical explanations for them are cosmic rays hitting the light detector or sunlight glinting from rocks.”[2]

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[caption id="attachment_2720" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Bright Spot Toward Sun in Image from NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover[/caption]

(Bright Spot Toward Sun in Image from NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover)

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So, for me at least, this puts this whole matter to bed. However, If sometime in the future… by some galactic fluke, these images crop up in the news again. I will take the time to address them… again. Honestly, there is so much ‘good science’ happening with the “Mars Science Laboratory – Rover Curiosity’ that all this is a merely a distraction. ‘Good Thing’? These images brought Curiosity, and the science NASA is involved, on the Martian surfaceinto the view of the public. Like the old saw ‘Any exposure is good exposure’.

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Sitting here, and putting this article together, I thought to myself… ‘I would certainly be remiss to just publish about this lark…’ Looking at the published images (refined, categorized and ready for press release) there really isn’t anything new since my last edition of ‘The Mars Report’. Honest, I looked at several of the sites.

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Now, I do not wish to be remembered as ‘that guy who never went the extra mile…’ So, I have managed to put together some images I had taken a pass on, before, that have real scientific merit. For all of My Dear Readers? Those wonderful regulars that come often and stay long? I am writing this Sunday afternoon at 6PM, long after the publication of ‘A Week in Review’. This week promises to be very busy and I am working to get ahead of the curve.

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Our next image is the strongest evidence, so far, NASA/JPL has found of flowing liquid water on Mars. Now, for science junkies and the like, this a majorly important image. Rather than work to paraphrase what NASA/JPL has released with this image. Let me present to you their words, exactly as presented with this image.

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“The outcrop characteristics are consistent with a sedimentary conglomerate, or a rock that was formed by the deposition of water and is composed of many smaller rounded rocks cemented together. Water transport is the only process capable of producing the rounded shape of clasts of this size.”[3]

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Sounds reasonable to me, how about you? Now, let me share the image they wrote about.

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[caption id="attachment_2715" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Link to a Watery Past[/caption]

(Link to a Watery Past)

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Since we are on the topic of fluid water on the Martian surface, let me bring you another image as evidence. In an outcrop called Shaler’. In the Yellowknife Bay of area of Mars’ Gale Crater this outcrop was found. In this image we see inclined layering called ‘cross-bedding’. This only occurs as the result of passing fluid water and is indicative of sediment-transport in stream flows. Thus adding to the growing scientific evidence that fluid water once flowed on the Martian surface. Me thinks that it is surprising (and also rather revealing) that science like this does not make the news… yet lens flares, somehow, do. What curious creatures we American humans, are. Yes?

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[caption id="attachment_2718" align="aligncenter" width="630"] 'Shaler' Unit's Evidence of Stream Flow[/caption]

('Shaler' Unit's Evidence of Stream Flow )

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Week, before last, I ended this series with an image of the Earth from Mars. I am always working to keep things in perspective. How small our planet is, when view from the Martian surface. It gives me pause, and should serve as food for thought. Tonight, I bring you yet another image of perspective. In this image, if enlarged enough, one can see our Earth and the moon from the Martian surface.[4]

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[caption id="attachment_2713" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Earth and our Moon from Mars[/caption]

(Earth and our Moon from Mars)

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With that, we come to this week’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I really do enjoy bringing this series, and these images, to you My Dear Readers. I can only hope that they, and I, have brought some wonder and even joy… to you.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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P.S. Just a little FYI for all of you, My Dear Readers. ‘The Mars Report’ has become the #1-article aeries here at The Other Shoe. Last week’s edition gathered 31 ‘Likes’ in less than one week! Be a part of the phenomenon and be sure to ‘Like’ this edition, too. I must admit… when I started this blog… I never imagined I would be publishing two weekly series looking to the stars. Thank you!

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[1]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=6135

[2]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=6135

[3]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4719

[4]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/PIA17936-MAIN-evening_star_annotated-br2.jpg