![]() Fig. 5 From frame 35A72 (Carlotto) |
![]() Fig. 6 From frame 70A13 (Carlotto) |
Furthermore, these features are not cartoon-like,
like the so-called “Happy Face Crater” (figure 7), 134 miles wide, which
is sometimes presented by NASA as an example of how we tend to see faces
everywhere. In fact, all the features of the Face have the appropriate
proportion and symmetry of a sculpted face. These facts have been verified
by two images taken at slightly different sun and camera angles (figures
5 and 6). Used reliably on known terrestrial features, image processing
techniques such as shape-from-shading and artificial stereo provide 3-D
constructions of the Face and were computed by Dr. Carlotto (Carlotto 1988).
The result was that the object has persistent face-like structure as viewed
from any angle. “The impression of a recognizable facial structure is not
a transient phenomenon” (Carlotto 1992). The Face is very different from
objects like New Hampshire’s Old Man of the Mountain (figure 8), which
must be viewed only in silhouette to see an approximate outline of a face
(Carlotto 1997). In my opinion, the Face on Mars therefore, has more in
common with the enigmatic Olmec heads of Central America (figure 9) or
the Great Sphinx in Egypt than it does any natural formations resembling
a face.
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Fig. 7
Galle Crater (NASA) |
Fig 8
Old Man in the Mountain |
Fig. 9
Olmec Head |
But the Face is different from terrestrial
sculptures in one significant way - it is enormous. The Face is over a
mile long and is three times taller than the Great Pyramid (Carlotto 1996).
The Face is about 1.5 times longer than the Golden Gate Bridge (figure
10). (Gravity on Mars is one third that of Earth. Maybe, if artificial,
this allows for larger constructions.)
![]() Fig. 10 Approximate Scale Comparison of the Golden Gate Bridge and Face |
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In 1976, Viking Project scientist Gerry
Soffen presented a picture of the Face to the press for the first time.
Possibly operating on false assumptions he said, “Isn’t it peculiar what
tricks of lighting and shadow can do.” This has been proven wrong. 3-D
analysis has proven that the reason the formation looks like a face is
because it is in fact shaped like a face (Carlotto 1997). He also said
that a picture was taken a few hours later and “it all went away”, but
was unable to produce this picture for comparison…because it does not exist.
It was nighttime in Cydonia a few hours later, the orbiters elsewhere (Hoagland
1996). Soffen started a long history of mistrust between NASA and independent
researchers. A well-liked and highly respected scientist, Soffen’s inaccurate
statements have been resonating with potential conspiracy for a quarter
century.