| New Frontiers in Science is an online journal that examines unexplained and controversial scientific phenomena. NFS publishes research and theories outside currently accepted scientific paradigms. |
| Vol. 1, No. 1 (Fall 2001) Analysis of MGS images of the "Face" on Mars |
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In our first issue, NFS examines the infamous "Face" on Mars.
Overview of the controversy surrounding the Face and other anomalous features in the Cydonia region of Mars:
Brief history and background on the Face: Symmetry and Geometry of the Face on Mars RevealedA New Analysis Based on the April 2001 ImageMark J. Carlotto
Review of "Symmetry and Geometry of the Face on Mars Revealed" by Mark CarlottoHorace W. Crater The aim of this review is to determine, using methods of analytical geometry, how many of the elementary symmetries identified by Carlotto are independent, to what extent these symmetries, if exact, are actually compatible with one another, and whether the consistency of these measurements supports an artificial origin for the Face on Mars mesa. Identification of the Mars Global Surveyor MOLA Profile of the Face on MarsLan Fleming The release of the April 2001 image of the Face on Mars was accompanied by the simultaneous posting of an article on an official NASA web site. The article's intent was apparently to render a definitive scientific conclusion that the Face is an unremarkable hill or mesa. Fleming, however, shows that the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data on which NASA's analysis was based is not that of the Face. After locating the correct MOLA height map he shows that it is actually consistent with Carlotto's previous estimates of the height and shape of the Face. Face on Mars: High Resolution and Animated ContentMark J. Carlotto
Provides additional data supporting
the analysis of April 2001 Image of the Face on Mars. Includes comparison
of Viking and MGS-derived digital elevation models, raw and orthorectified
MGS images, orthorectified and flipped MGS images to show points of symmetry, and perspective
views from around the formation that show a layer of sand covering the right side of the Face. |
| Vol. 1, No. 2 (Winter 2002) Anomalous lunar phenomena |
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In this issue, NFS examines anomalous phenomena
in the vicinity of the moon and on the lunar surface.
The moon, our nearest celestial neighbor, is still a great mystery in many ways. More than three decades after the Apollo missions there remain many unanswered questions about the moon. For an introduction to this issue click on An Introduction to Anomalous Lunar Phenomena Go to the Stereo Image Gallery to see images of anomalous lunar surface features in 3-D. Towards Lunar ArchaeologyAlexey V. Arkhipov
Our Moon is a potential indicator of a possible alien presence near the Earth at some time during the past 4 billion years. To ascertain the presence of alien artifacts, a survey for ruin-like formations on the Moon has been carried out as a precursor to lunar archaeology. Computer algorithms for semi-automatic, archaeological photo-reconnaissance are discussed. About 80,000 Clementine lunar orbital images have been processed, and a number of quasi-rectangular patterns found. Morphological analysis of these patterns leads to possible reconstructions of their evolution in terms of erosion. Two scenarios are considered: 1) the collapse of subsurface quasi-rectangular systems of caverns, and 2) the erosion of hills with quasi-rectangular lattices of lineaments. We also note the presence of embankment-like, quadrangular and hollow hills with rectangular depressions nearby. Tectonic (geologic) interpretations of these features are considered. The similarity of these patterns to terrestrial archaeological sites and proposed lunar base concepts suggest the need for further study and future in situ exploration. Anomalous Object Tracked Near MoonFrancis Ridge and Lan FlemingTwo years after the Clementine mission, and a year before Lunar Prospector, at a time when there were no known man-made objects in the vicinity of the moon, an Earth-based telescopic scan detects a bright object near the moon. After considering conventional explanations, an analysis of its motion suggests that the object was in lunar orbit at the time. 3-D Analysis of the 'Blair Cuspids' and Surrounding TerrainMark CarlottoAn analysis of an unusual collection of objects in a region north of the crater Ariadaeus B is performed. These objects, known as the 'Lunar Spires' or 'Blair Cuspids,' were imaged by a Lunar Orbiter spacecraft in 1966. A digital elevation model (DEM) is computed over the area with a single image shape-from-shading algorithm. Using the DEM to estimate local slope we confirm the tallest cuspid to be about 50 feet in height. Synthetic stereo images are created in order to visualize the cuspids and their surrounding terrain in 3-D. Of particular interest is a large rectilinear depression adjacent to the objects. This depression appears to be the deepest part of a larger network of rectilinear collapses of the surface similar to those that have been studied by Arkhipov. Correlations between the geometry of the cuspids, the rectilinear collapses, and subtle surface lineaments are identified. |
| Vol. 1, No. 3 (Spring 2002) Analysis of THEMIS imagery over Cydonia |
The first issue of NFS focused on the new Mars Global Surveyor images of the Face on Mars.
In this issue we present two papers involving the analysis of THEMIS imagery acquired over Cydonia by the Mars Odyssey spacecraft.
Analysis of Mars Odyssey THEMIS Imagery of the "D&M Pyramid"Mark J. Carlotto
Ancient Shoreline in CydoniaMark Carlotto
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| Vol. 1, No. 4 (Summer 2002) The search for extra-terrestrial intelligence and UFOs |
In this issue, NFS takes a step back and examines the debate between mainstream SETI research, UFO investigations, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Visitations (SETV).
An exciting new research area related to the study of pulsar signals is also outlined.
SETI, SETV, and UFOsGerry ZeitlinThe Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) might logically appear to be a middle ground between serious UFO research and the mainstream scientific communities, where science and UFO interests meet. SETI and UFO researchers see matters quite differently, however. SETI identifies itself as a scientific enterprise and excludes UFO data and research from the sphere of scientific legitimacy. In other words, SETI believes it is in the mainstream. For their part, UFO researchers dismiss SETI for its refusal to recognize the massive and widespread body of experience of the UFO. The Search for Extraterrestrial Visitation (SETV) has roots in early SETI postulations of the possibility that ET civilizations could be sending probes into our solar system, and in the UFO community that believes it is seeing crafts of extraterrestrial origin. Ways in which SETV can facilitate greater cooperation between SETI and UFO research are discussed that could lead to much greater human understanding of a vitally important subject. UFOs: A Challenge to SETI SpecialistsStanton T. FriedmanMajor news media, and many members of the scientific community, have taken strongly to the radio-telescope based SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program as espoused by its charismatic leaders, but without the support of any evidence whatsoever. In turn, perhaps understandably, they feel it necessary to attack the idea of alien visitors (UFOs) as though this were based on tabloid nonsense, instead of on evidence—far more evidence than has been provided for SETI. One might hope, vainly I am afraid, that they would be concerned with The Search for Extraterrestrial Visitors (SETV). I would hereby like to challenge the SETI specialists, members of the scientific community, and the media to recognize the overwhelming evidence for and significant consequences of alien visits and to expose the serious deficiencies of the SETI-related claims. Are Pulsar Signals Evidence of Astro-Engineered Signalling Systems?Invitation to a Collaborative StudyGerry ZeitlinIn his recent book, The Talk of the Galaxy, Dr. Paul LaViolette shows how new high-resolution recordings of pulsar signals reveal features that are inconsistent with the long-standing "neutron star lighthouse" pulsar model. LaViolette argues compellingly that the interesting and quite intricate behaviors of pulsars fit much more easily with a model of an extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) beacon carrying information. Section 1 summarizes LaViolette's key points and describes the need for follow-up studies. Section 2 describes a multi-layered and multi-disciplinary program of research aimed at examining and testing LaViolette's assertions, and if the results merit, continuing with a search for information content in the pulsar signals. Approaching the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) StrategicallyA Proposal to Identify and Assess Strategic Alternatives to Microwave SETIScot L. StrideThere are several competing hypotheses relating to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). These hypotheses mainly take the form of stated assumptions. Only a few are formulated allowing for any reasonable falsification. Propositions must be constructed so gathering the necessary empirical evidence can test their predictions. Most SETI hypotheses do not contain theoretical predictions based upon any existing observational evidence. Presently, in the face of no solid evidence, none of the competing hypotheses can be summarily dismissed. Nonetheless, certain SETI approaches have dominated even though their assumptions are no better than others are. The fundamental objective of the SETI is to collect factual observational data that can be used to verify that ETI exist. To this end, searching for ETI must be approached with a well-formulated strategic plan. Clearly there exist strategic alternatives, and some rank higher than others. In the drive to discover ETI, there is too much at stake to squander resources on ineffective strategies. The strategic alternatives must be ranked so that our finite resources for the SETI can be allocated properly. This paper examines how the microwave strategy came to dominate the SETI, and why this strategy must be challenged. It also examines our strategic response to finding ETI, and proposes a method to objectively compare the alternatives in order to make the right choice. |
| Vol. 2, No. 1 (Fall 2002) New binary-star model of the solar system |
In this issue, NFS presents a new model of our solar system that explains the phenomenon known "Precession of the Equinox" in a consistent and elegant manner.
Understanding Precession of the EquinoxEvidence our Sun may be part of a long cycle binary systemWalter Cruttenden and Vince DayesA recent study of the phenomenon known as “Precession of the Equinox” has led researchers to question the extent of lunisolar causation and to propose an alternative solar system model that better fits observed data, and solves a number of current solar system anomalies.
The
current (standard) model was theorized before there was any knowledge of the
life cycle of stars, or awareness that some stars are non-visible and could
thereby exert unseen gravitational influence. The standard model was developed
before knowledge of binary prevalence or any understanding of binary star
motions. Indeed the idea of a single sun with lunisolar wobble
causing precession was originally developed at a time when the Sun had only
recently replaced the Earth as the center of the solar system and the Sun was
thought to be fixed in space. Consequently, any theory to explain the observed
phenomenon of precession of the equinox had to be based solely on movement of
the Earth. Although, it has stood for almost 500 years with only minor
changes, it fails to answer a number of well-documented solar system anomalies:
All
of these questions have been answered in different ways; e.g., angular momentum
may have disappeared due to an early solar magnetic force which has also
disappeared, the sheer edge may be due to a rogue planet that swept by our
solar system in fairly recent times but is now gone, etc. We would like to
propose a new model, based on a binary system, which provides a single and
greatly simplified solution to all these questions.
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| Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 2003) STS-48 shuttle video |
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In this issue, NFS presents a new analysis of STS-48 video data by Lan Fleming.
Fleming's paper shows that the prosaic explanation of the video (ice particle/thruster firing hypothesis)
is not consistent with the horizon transit times of stars during the shuttle orbit on which the events occurred.
Click here for on overview of the STS-48 video by Mark Carlotto along with an on-line version of his original paper published in the Journal of Scientific Exploration in 1995. A New Look at the Evidence Supporting a Prosaic Explanation of the STS-48 "UFO" VideoLan Fleming
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| Vol. 2, No. 3 (Spring 2003) Discovery of primitive life on Mars |
In this issue, NFS examines a new and totally unexpected phenomena discovered on Mars.
Greg Orme and Peter Ness in conjunction with Sir Arthur C. Clarke present an analysis of the "spiders" -- an enigmatic feature which might represent an existing life form on the Red Planet.
Martian SpidersGreg M. Orme and Peter K. Ness (in consultation with Sir Arthur C. Clarke)
Although we do not know what the spiders are at this stage of the investigation, it is possible to say what they are not based on inferred properties, interpretation of physical laws, and comparisons to known geological formations. This paper contrasts spiders to formations formed by fluid flows, and discusses how their appearance changes seasonally but in opposition to known physical processes on Mars. It is argued that their structure resembles Fibonacci patterns formed by biological phenomena on Earth. Relationships between spiders and other phenomena on Mars are also discussed. |
| Vol. 3, No. 1 (Fall 2003) Further analysis of STS-48 shuttle video |
In this issue, NFS presents new anomalies discovered by Lan Fleming in the STS-48 video.
Examination of Object Trajectories in the STS-48 "UFO" VideoLan FlemingA frame overlay method previously applied by Carlotto to the STS-48 video frames revealed that some of the unidentified objects followed curved trajectories, indicating that they experienced prolonged periods of acceleration that cannot be attributed to the relatively brief firing of a shuttle thruster rocket acting on nearby debris particles. The same method was reapplied to the video but over considerably longer periods of elapsed video time than those originally covered by Carlotto. It was found that two of the objects changed their courses from initially linear trajectories to highly curved trajectories. This and other details revealed by the longer time span overlays tend to rule out explanations for the path curvature that would be consistent with the shuttle debris interpretation. Rather, the newly-revealed aspects of the objects' trajectories strongly support Carlotto's interpretation: that the path curvatures are evidence that some of the objects are large, self-propelled, and closer to the Earth's horizon than to the space shuttle. |
| Vol. 4, No. 1 (Fall 2004) Precession of the Equinox |
In this issue, NFS presents two alternative models to explain the precession of the equinox.
The first by Cruttenden and Dayes (published previously by NFS in 2003) is based on a binary-star model,
in which the sun's rotation around a twin star (yet to be found) causes an apparent shift in the vernal equinox point (precession).
The second model proposed by Carlo Santagata is motivated by a re-examination of Newton's equations.
Paraphrasing Galileo, in Eppur si muove , it is the Sun that moves. A
ccording to Santagata's model, the Sun and planets rotate slowly around the center of mass of the solar system at a rate that is roughly the same order of precession (about 25,000 years).
Eppur si muove (Nevertheless, it does move)Carlo SantagataA careful study of Newton's PRINCIPIA reveals that, contrary to Galilei's findings, a heavy body falls more quickly than a light body. The difference in speed is so small that, even today, it cannot be detected in the terrestrial laboratory. For a planet rotating about the Sun, we show that the effect of this speed difference accumulates over time to produce a forward shift in the planet's orbit with respect to the Sun (i.e., to a heliocentric observer). It is shown that the residual forward shift of Mercury's perihelion can be explained in this way. With respect to the fixed stars, the effect of the orbiting mass of a planets is to induce a slow rotation of the Sun around the baricenter (center of mass) of the solar system, towards the vernal equinox direction. The period of this rotation is 24,900 years, close to the current estimate of the period of the precessional cycle (25,770 years). Understanding Precession of the EquinoxEvidence our Sun may be part of a long cycle binary systemWalter Cruttenden and Vince DayesA recent study of the phenomenon known as “Precession of the Equinox” has led researchers to question the extent of lunisolar causation and to propose an alternative solar system model that better fits observed data, and solves a number of current solar system anomalies.
The
current (standard) model was theorized before there was any knowledge of the
life cycle of stars, or awareness that some stars are non-visible and could
thereby exert unseen gravitational influence. The standard model was developed
before knowledge of binary prevalence or any understanding of binary star
motions. Indeed the idea of a single sun with lunisolar wobble
causing precession was originally developed at a time when the Sun had only
recently replaced the Earth as the center of the solar system and the Sun was
thought to be fixed in space. Consequently, any theory to explain the observed
phenomenon of precession of the equinox had to be based solely on movement of
the Earth. Although, it has stood for almost 500 years with only minor
changes, it fails to answer a number of well-documented solar system anomalies:
All
of these questions have been answered in different ways; e.g., angular momentum
may have disappeared due to an early solar magnetic force which has also
disappeared, the sheer edge may be due to a rogue planet that swept by our
solar system in fairly recent times but is now gone, etc. We would like to
propose a new model, based on a binary system, which provides a single and
greatly simplified solution to all these questions.
|
| Vol. 4, No. 4 (Summer 2005) Space shuttle STS-80 video analysis |
In this issue, NFS presents the first detailed analysis of the STS-80 video captured by astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia in December 1996.
Anomalous Phenomena in Space Shuttle Mission STS-80 VideoMark CarlottoAnalysis of video from Space Shuttle mission STS-80 provides new insight into a number of unusual events captured by a camera aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1996. Three different phenomena are analyzed: 1) two slow moving circular objects, 2) a number of fast moving objects in space near the shuttle, and 3) a strange luminous apparition near the earth's surface. The two slow moving circular objects have attracted a great deal of popular interest due to their disk-like shape. One seems to appear out of a cloud layer, the other moves into the camera's field of view. It is argued that both are likely to be pieces of shuttle debris emerging from the spacecraft's shadow. The fast moving objects in space near the shuttle appear as bright streaks moving rapidly across the video frame. Analysis of their speeds and directions implies that they are not shuttle debris or meteors. Perhaps the most interesting observation is a rapidly moving burst of light that appears near the earth's surface off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Occurring well before sunrise, away from thunderstorm activity, and moving at an estimated speed of over 500 miles/sec., this is one of the most unusual phenomena observed to date by the shuttle. Its similarity to certain ground-based sightings suggests that it might represent the first observation of a new kind of atmospheric phenomenon from space. New! Click here to access raw Quicktime movie of event F1 (1.7 Meg). |
| © 2001-2005 New Frontiers in Science |
On April 8, 2001 Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) was able for the first time
to obtain a fully illuminated high resolution image of the Face on Mars.
Like previous MGS images the Face appears at first glance to be a highly
eroded natural formation. However analysis of this new image shows the object
to possess a very high degree of symmetry in two directions. Using repeatable
geometrical constructions based on clearly resolved features the Face appears
to fit a consistently expressed geometrical model based on rectangles having
a long to short side ratio of 4/3, i.e., by rectangles diagonally bisected
by 3-4-5 right triangles. Analysis of the new image reveals that the right
(east) side of the Face is covered with sand. The depth of the sand appears
to be sufficient to have covered over some of the detail on the east side
and may account for its apparent lack of facial symmetry.
In April 2002 the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) aboard the Mars Odyssey spacecraft acquired a 19 meter/pixel visible image over a region in Cydonia containing the Face,
D&M Pyramid, and the eastern portion of the City.
This new image provides the first fully illuminated view of the D&M Pyramid —
a faceted landform south of the Face first imaged by Viking in 1976. The new THEMIS image shows the D&M Pyramid is a highly symmetrical object with striking similarities to other objects in Cydonia.
The presence of two highly symmetrical objects — the Face and the D&M Pyramid —
with completely different morphologies, less than 20 km apart, suggests the possibility that this collection of objects could be the eroded remains of ancient artificial structures on the Martian surface.
An analysis of a recent THEMIS
multispectral image acquired by the Mars Odyssey spacecraft
over Cydonia provides further
evidence that an ocean once existed to the north, and that the features known
as the City and Face are located along what was once its shoreline. It is
shown that there are three spectrally distinct regions that
are spatially correlated with MOLA-derived elevation data. One region is
correlated with the higher terrain to the south, another with the low-lying
plains to the north, and a third with a transition zone between the two.
From its topography, relationships to the terrain to the north and south,
spectral characteristics, and morphology of its features, it is conjectured
that this transition zone was once the shoreline. The City, Face, and D&M
Pyramid all lie in this zone. As either shoreline features, or even possibly
islands, their proximity to water provides a possible explanation for how
these once-symmetrical structures could have been transformed into their
present, collapsed and highly eroded, state.
It has been argued that the seemingly unusual behavior of objects observed during the STS-48 space shuttle mission
can be explained as the reaction of small debris particles floating near the shuttle to the firing of the spacecraft's rockets.
Two independent lines of evidence are presented here that suggest there could have been no causal link between the objects' behavior and the rocket firing.
The issue of the exact time of the events relative to the documented time of the rocket firing is first examined on the basis of times computed for horizon
transits by stars during the shuttle orbit on which the events occurred.
A significant discrepancy between the times displayed on the video recording and the times of expected horizon transits is described.
The nature of the light flash itself is then examined in more detail, revealing that it was a sudden increase in the intensity of reflected light and could not
have been the light emitted by burning rocket exhaust entering the camera's field of view.
The term "black spiders" was first coined by the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) team.
One of the first and most interesting spider photos is MOC image M0804688, which was found by Greg Orme in October 2000.
Subsequently, Sir Arthur C. Clarke saw this image and decided it might represent evidence of a form of life on Mars.
Images of the spiders give an almost overpowering impression of some form of fungus, trees or coral.
The situation is that we are confronted with something that looks like life, but according to what we know about Mars, cannot be life.
The spider formations remain an enigma that is hardly mentioned in published papers on Mars.