The Anomaly Hunters Roundtable Study: Parrotopia, the Parrot
and City Complex.
By
Wil Faust
And members of the Anomaly Hunters
(2002 – 2003)
BACKGROUND
The following in
an Anomaly Hunters group study of an avian formation that extends into a
grid-like formation of a city complex on the surface of Mars. The study
encompasses a proposed geoglyph and urban complex that Anomaly Hunter Wil Faust
has entitled Parrotopia (Figure 1) that was posted on the Anomaly Hunters Board
on March 7, 2002.1 The complex is located on the Northwest rim of the huge
Argyre Basin. Because of its location Faust believes the complex was an ancient
port city at some distant time in the planets past. This preliminary conclusion
is supported by the current state of knowledge of Martian geological history.
Figure 1
Parrotopia Complex (MOC 1402185)
(With notations added)
THE PARROT AND WING
In examining MOC image 1402185 provided by NASA,2 I direct
your attention to the Parrot's head, marked A in figure 1. Three examples of
apparent arterial grade separations (i.e. over- and underpasses) are in the
vicinity of area B in figure 1. Curved, cylindrical forms connecting to large,
multi-level structures are at area C in figure 1. Three examples of linear alignments composed
of rectilinear structures are found at area D in figure 1. Two examples where
lineations seem to enter tunnel entrances can be seen at the area identified as
E in figure 1. Evidence of multiple lineations -- perhaps as many as ten --
converge radially near this point, hilighted by area F in figure 1. Three structural alignments converge near
this point on the Parrot's right shoulder labeled G in figure 1. The image
detail may have been partially erased in this area.
The image scale notations are directly over the near side
wing cover. Note the anatomically correct leg structures. The structures in the
immediate vicinity of the H notations in figure 1 appear to bear a strong
resemblance to jetties and breakwaters. It must be remembered that many
components of the complex, including these seemingly harbor-related structures,
are partially buried by wind-driven material. It nonetheless can be seen that
areas adjoining these possible "harbor" structures are essentially
level, save for the wind-driven dunes, and that to the North beyond the level
areas begins a scarp leading to higher terrain.3
The following image displays the context in which of Wils'
Parrotopia complex was found (Figure 2). What is fascinating about this image is
that without any enhancement the parrot image really stands out. The image was
reduce greatly and cropped the bottom third of the strip to provide perspective
and as you can see the parrot is spectacular. Just as the Egyptians carved the
Sphinx out of an existing outcrop, it appears this Martian geoglyph may have
also been carved utilizing the given terrain of the area. It only makes sense to use what is
available.4
Figure 2
The Parrotopia complex (MOC 1402185)
Note the profile of a full bodied parrot at the bottom
portion of this crop and the wing feature
that extends into a grid-like formation of a city complex.
The decisive
factors for the parrot-like appearance of the complex involve three aspects,
two are anatomical, the other more behavioral in nature. Anatomically, the
shaping of the hillside wing cover is absolutely perfect, right down to the
actual 'lie' of the texturing in ovoid concentrics. It is very nearly a perfect
rendering of the conformation of the feathers on a parrot's folded wing cover,
what we might consider the bird's elbow. I could accept that the approximate
shape of a parrot's midsection might be due to chance erosional forces, but I
find that the detail is simply too uncannily realistic.
Second, above the
eye is a line which accurately corresponds to the typical boundary of a kind of
eye patch of small, very fine feathers which some species of parrot exhibit. I
don't know the technical name for it (and right now I'm too lazy to go get the
African Grey handbook!), but to my way of thinking, the fact it is characteristic
only of some species of parrots rather than a stereotypical feature of parrots
generally makes it a more believable identifier. (Incidentally, before George
is compelled to respond on this point, this feature is characteristic of Macaws
too!)
Finally, and most
subtly, is the way the wings are held in this landscape feature. To the eye of
a parrot fancier (or, for that matter, many other smallish birds), there is a
way the bird will sometimes hold its wings just slightly away from the body.
It's a form of body language, signifying variously recognition (sort of a hi!),
or pleading or begging (as for a special eat treat). As I interpret this
landform, its wings are being held in just that way.
This accounts, for
example, for why the wing cover feathers do not blend seamlessly into the
remainder of the torso, but seem to slightly stand away from the others. The
far wing seems to my eye also to be held in a corresponding body posture.The
decided appearance of an apparent reference to characteristic parrot behavior
was conclusive in my mind, when coupled with the other features I mentioned.
That the other features of note largely confirm the interpretation didn't hurt
either.
The parrot's upper
mandible does look fairly unlike those of hookbill parrots I am aware of.
However, as with Martian cities, I guess I don't demand Martian parrots be
precise replicas of those on Earth. Hookbills evolved because the meat of
edible nuts is found on the inside. Who knows what food prevailed on a warmer,
wetter Mars? Maybe (sorry, but I can't resist this!) if a hookbill analogy
won't work, maybe a Toucan.5
To get a better
understanding of the artistic qualities expressed within the parrot an
analytical drawing was produced with the help of a small animal veterinarian by
the name of Amelia Joy Cole (Figure 3). The drawing identifies eighteen points
of confirmation that provides overwhelming evidence that this Martian geoglyph
not only represents a parrot, but also reveals that its features are
anatomically correct.6
Figure 3
Parrot Analytical Drawing by George Haas with letter
notation: A-S.
A. The Belly. B. The
Body. C. Feather Shafts. D. The Eye. E. Primary Flight Feathers.
F. Cere (the top potion of the beak). G. Unknown artifact,
possibly a feather. H. Beak.
I. Tongue. J. Jaw. K.
Head. L. Hood Line (neck). M. Claw. N. Foot and Toes.
O. Leg - Metatarsus. P. Leg - Tarsus Joint. Q. Leg - Tibia. R&S. Tail Feathers.
Some of these landscapes on Mars are designed or enhanced to
"give the illusion” of something. There may be something to that rather
beefy thigh on the parrot formation (Figure 2) that wouldn't be too far off
from a falcon (?) from a distance. When you look closely at those toes, there
is an area that stands out that intersects that's interesting, it has a center
area too it anyway that connects the appendages.7
The only out of place feature found within the parrot
formation is an odd artifact that penetrates the beak area (labeled
"G" in Figure 3). Notice the
arrow shape of the shaft that penetrates the beak and the decorative
feather-like feature at its opposite end. This unknown object may actually be
the remnant of a hunters "dart" (Figure 4). The placement of the dart
is reminiscent of the one that the Hero Twins shoot at the celestial bird Seven
Macaw, as recorded in the Maya Popol Vuh. 8
Figure 4
The Parrot's Head (Detail)
(MOC 1402185)
Note the dart that penetrates the beak feature.
In the Creation story of the Popol Vuh, one of the Hero
Twins hits Seven Macaw in the beak with a dart from his blow gun. The dart
stuns Seven Macaw and knocks out one of his "shinny teeth," sending
him down to Earth 9 (Figure 5). These odd feather-like projections in and around
the beak of the Parrotopia bird may represent one of these darts.
Figure 5
Seven Macaw and the Hero Twins
Izapa Stela 2
Drawing by Linda Schele
The following image is a drawing of a hammered copper Bird
produced by the Hopewell Indians form Ohio 10 (Figure 6). It is presented here
as a comparison image for the parrot geoglyph found at the edge of the
Parrotopia complex. Notice the parrot-like head, the beak, the round body, the
tail feathers and foot. Also notice the overall open profiled posture of the
wing, which is very similar in the design as expressed within the parrot
geoglyph on Mars. Is this another clue to our lost heritage?
Figure 6
Bird (parrot)
Hammered copper (Hopewell Indians 400 BC to 400 AD)
THE RUINS OF A CITY
Richard C.
Hoagland commented on Wilmer Faust's discovery of the "Parrotopia"
complex live on the Anomaly Network, IRC Network on March 10, 2002. The following is what Mr. Hoagland had to say
in response to a question asked by The Cydonia Institute member Jim Miller,
about this amazing image;
"I see an ancient urban complex partially buried and
slowly being exhumed.
It's quite obviously artificial from all the regions but,
very old and in ruin.
...the percent of the geometry certainly supports the
artificiality of the city." 11
After Hoagland’s appearance on the Anomaly Network program,
independent anomaly hunter Keith Laney added the following comment to the
study;
“The rectangular areas along the upper edge are what
intrigue me the most.
Very Inca City-ish. This is similar to the area shown by
Odyssey as well.” 12
Here is an aerial shot of Nablus, a Palestinian city, from
WWI, by Harold Maughan, a distinguished Australian war hero (Figure 7). Isn't it
interesting to see this Middle Eastern city, some 62km north of Jerusalem, side
by side to Parrotopia, a city on Mars. If you did not know that the second
picture is of Mars, what would you think? Parrotopia lacks a few buildings
distinguishable in the first photo, but is only slightly less civilized
looking, having lines and squares very similar to what you can see in the old
photo of Nablus. The lines that are roads appear the same. The masks, effigies,
and totems that we have labeled as surface markers may be a form of buildings
or dwellings. Sometimes when you examine what appears to be a collapsed face or
mound, it appears to have structure underneath, like rebar, perhaps walls, or
support structure of some kind. Taking into account different styles of
architecture (square vs round), different cultures and such, what would you
expect a Martian building to look like? In the center, or what I think is the
center, you have a row of four mounds, one of which looks very much like a
mask. There are connecting lines that look very much if not identical to the
roads in the terrestrial photo. Since this is not a cut-and-paste or trick
image, what is the simplest explanation for this similarity? If there is an argument against this idea
of a city on Mars, it should include strong, geological explanations for these
patterns, the organization, and the structures observed.13
Figure 7
A Comparison Between the Palestinian City of Nablus with
Parrotopia.
(Photo from WWI, by Harold Maughan)
NORTHEAST CHANNEL AREA (Was the City a port?)
The illustration
below is a relief map produced by the team which operates the MOLA instrument
on MGS (Figure 8). This is a laser altimeter, which for the first time has
afforded an accurate global view of the Martian topography and as a
consequence, how various areas on Mars related functionally in the past in such
ways as geohydrological environments. As a result it is now known that the
Argyre Basin was an "outflow region." In other words, it produced
flows of water that were ultimately conducted to other parts of the planet.
This map
illustrates that the outflow from Argyre was generally to the North, in what is
termed the Chryse outflow region. The channel for such flows is illustrated by
the yellowish-greenish alignment leading from Argrye, near the lower right of
this image, toward the upper right center, where they eventually met the
outflows from the Valles Marineris system (located in the center of the image,
and flowing toward the right-hand side, east). Together they ultimately flowed into
the great northern ocean -- Mare Boreum.14
Figure 8
MOLA Relief map (MGS)
Note Parrotopia is located in the area denoted by the red dot at the bottom of the picture, just right of center.
It has been well
understood for some time that Argyre is ringed by an escarpment, a sloping wall
of bluffs and cliffs, resulting from its very ancient origin as an impact
crater. Thus it was a significant surprise that, last October, it was announced
that a definite outflow channel had been located by the MOLA instrument. The
announcement was accompanied by a beautiful relief image compiled from the MOLA
data. It was featured on the cover of The Planetary Society's "Planetary
Journal" for July/August, 2001.
The significance of the previous knowledge of the
geophysiology of the Argyre Basin, the newfound understanding that, though a
massive basin, it nonetheless served as an outflow source of water, together
combined with the new, dramatic evidence of an ancient City on the Basin's rim,
raises interesting possibilities. It would appear that, while a basin such as
Argyre would serve as a regional collector of hydrological flows, the quantity
was such that a net outflow occurred. It seems likely as a result that Argyre
was the repository of a substantial body of water, probably of large extent and
possibly depth, and perhaps for one or more significant time periods. The
question thus arises as to the possible relationship(s) of the City of
Parrotopia to this putative body of water.
While spending some
time looking around the surroundings of Parrotopia, in search of an enhancement
of a context image of the original frame containing the entire Complex, the
following image is the result (Figure 9). After considerable checking and
re-checking, I have a fairly high degree of confidence that I've located the
image of the parrot on the M1402186 context picture. Looking at it closely, the
parrot form appears distinctive to me in reference to its surroundings.15
Figure 9
Context image of the Parrotopia Complex
(XM1402186 enlarged 1.5 times the original)
The next image
(Figure 10) in this study is a modified crop of the original Parrotopia image.
On it I have identified two areas with the capital letter "H". These
are two of possibly several I note along the northern margin of the urban
complex which, I believe, constitute possible evidence of a former relationship
of the urban complex to a body of water.
Figure 10
Evidence of an Urban Port
(With Notations)
The structures in
the immediate vicinity of the "H" notations appear to bear a strong
resemblance to jettys and breakwaters. It must be remembered, I believe, that
many components of the complex, including these seemingly harbor-related
structures, are partially buried by wind-driven material. It nonetheless can be
seen that areas adjoining these possible "harbor" structures are
essentially level, save for the wind-driven dunes, and that to the North beyond
the level areas begins a scarp leading to higher terrain.
I believe there is a
strong possibility that, when the topography of the Argyre Basin is
sufficiently well understood, it will be found that the ancient highstands of
water in this basin have formed one or more equipotential elevations -- marked
by beach terraces -- which will coincide with the mean elevation of the
Parrotopia water frontage. This is extremely exciting, in my view, for it will
constitute corroboration of the probable origin of this beautiful complex as a
work of ancient intelligence. Our eventual understanding of the ages of global,
geophysical evolution on Mars will then allow us to approximate a time frame to
this urban habitation.16
Taking a closer
look at the cities structure I have zeroed in on the grid pattern. The crop presented
in Figure 11, which is enlarged at 2.5 times the original image scale (Figure 2), is located near the upper right in the original Parrotopia image. The
larger part of this crop seems to be infused with linear and curvilinear
features which interconnect; change direction and elevation (they appear to
have been functional in one or more ways at multiple topographic levels); enter
openings into structures or landforms (often reemerging at a more distant
point); and cross one another, sometimes with apparent linkages and at other
times clearly without.
This evidence, in
my opinion, is wholly consistent with the essence of what urban transportation
systems are about. I believe that's the main evidence presented by this
enhancement. But, though, there are a couple of other things I'll comment on as
worthy of special note.
Figure 11
City Complex (XcropME3)
Note the rectangular areas
About one-quarter
of the way up the left edge of the picture (Figure 12) is another view of those
seemingly cylindrical, curved structures connecting to different levels of
structure. In this enhancement, the largest of these is well imaged. It may
possibly be casting shadows below, in which case it is at least in part
free-standing. In any event, it looks very, very much like some purpose-built
device. Notice, for example, how at the upper level it 'feeds' into a larger
diameter cylindrical object.
Then, along the lineation which crosses from bottom center
to below the center of the left edge, it's easy to note a large, ovoid
dome-like shape. Looking at it closely, there are several features which
seemingly reinforce one another and prompt the question to any Egyptologists
who just might be reading these words: does this look like a Scarab beetle to
you? I'm not an Egyptologist by any stretch, but, it actually does to me! Yes,
I know, speculative. But just study it a bit.17
There is the notably bland area in the upper left quadrant
of the image that looks like dried-up mud flats. The area labeled 1 has a round
structure with pipe rising from the center and running off to the right. Area
labeled 2 in figure 12 features a bridge. There is no other way to describe it other than
the ruined entrance to the complex. In
area 3 I have noted these two structures together as they are probably the
ruined buttress for the bridge. Note there is pipe-like structure connecting
these. The last area labeled 4 is a scarab or beetle-like structure. I noted
this not to say I could see it but to say there is that distinct line running
down the center of its' back and there is ruined pipe works leading to section
1. Perhaps this is the water processing plant for the city and 2 is the intake,
4 the main holding tank and 1 a processed water tank. 18
Examining the area next to the Scarab beetle is a square
formation that looks like it is composed of sand, water, or ice. If you look at
it in the un-rotated view, there is an area between the Scarab and another
large structure that makes it seem as if there is a canal or pit area between
them (this second structure would be on the opposite side, not on the mudflat
side of Scarab). Notice the reflective shadows there act like water or ice
reflections from the area above? 19
Figure 12
Crop of Wil's XcropME3
(With annotations by Starjim)
1. Round structure with pipe. 2. The bridge
3. Ruined buttress for the bridge. 4. Scarab Formation.
When the upper
most part of the City Complex, (beyond the Parrot's wing) is turned around, the
infrastructure becomes quite obvious (Figure 13). With the parrot at the top of the city as
it is given from MSSS this area would be adjacent to Wils northeast area. At
any rate there is a defined channel running along the bottom of the image. My
impression of this is that of the observation deck of a cruise ship (Figure
13). Picture the rear of the ship full of windows from the water line to the
top deck. I have noted a large walkway leading to a round area. Note the
streaking in the darkest area, that streaking goes in a different direction
from the surrounding area – like glass. I hate to say it but I put an arrow
pointing at a little head that just happens to be at the starting point of the
ramp. (I have to keep with the pet theory of marker = structure). The tiny hand
drawn arrow points to one of those spots previously mentioned regarding lines
that clearly cross over each other where there is visible separation where they
intersect.20
The large dark
area to which the arrow at the lower left points is where the idea of a harbor
that was pointed to earlier. Those higher albedo structures look like
breakwaters and jetties. And the location of the channel is exactly where it
needs to be in order to connect via water transport toward the central region
of the Argyre Basin.21
Figure 13
Observation Deck
Detail MOC 1402185
THE WINGED CANOPY
Now, For Something
Completely Different.What if we view the Parrotopia Complex from the same
perspective as the picture was taken by the MOC and therefore view the image as
presented in the MSSS best gif image (Figure 14). Below please find a crop which presents the
area of interest from another pointof view. Please note that this image is JPEG
with only 50% quality so it is only useful for gross reference, not for detail
analysis. In this analysis I shall refer to the top, bottom, right and left
sides as NSEW as a convenience without regard for where true North really is.
Now, please bear with me.
First, I would
like you to visualize the backside of a house and imagine that you have a grandiose
vision. You want the world’s largest
awning so you buy some aluminum poles, attach one end of some of those poles to
the top of your house (the body of the parot) and allow the other ends to lie
on the ground at the far end of your yard (forming the wing). You might bend
the poles down at the far end so the awning doesn’t
actually go all the way to ground, allowing you access under it. Next you run some of the extra
poles across the first poles and connect them where they cross. This will
provide some structural rigidity. Then you put a new hi-tec super strong, super
light material across the framework and you have a really big, strong awning.
But now you
realize that you used incredibly strong super poles and decide you also want a
deck. So you attach some more poles to your house, run these out, level to the
ground, until they meet the first poles. You connect them and build your deck
on them using the same super strong materials. So far so good, but since you
have grandiose ideas you build another deck above the first. This now gives you
a double decker deck under a slanting roof. OK. With that ridiculous image
firmly in mind, it is time to look at my image. 22
Figure 14
The Winged Canopy
Parrot and wing
inverted
(Notations by Jim
MUC)
What we see in
this image is an artificial structure reminiscent of what I just described
above. The terrain slopes down toward the SE and the parrot is in the top third
of the image. Notice the digit 1 I placed at the throat of the bird and the
second 1 I placed a little way to the SE (Figure 14). These mark where a long pipe connects
to the terrain at the top 1, runs down to the SE and terminates at some sort of
structure just left of the lower 1. A second pipe connects at the upper digit 2
and runs SE, down to the dark stuff where it terminates on a pod or structural
foot, just to the left of the lower digit 2. Find the upper digits 3, 4, 5 and
6 and you will find more pipes, each running down to the SE and terminating at
the corresponding lower 3,4,5 or 6. Look to the left of the lower digit 6 and
you will see additional pipes running toward the NW. These pipes are all
primary structural supports.
Now look just N of
the lower digits 4, 5 and 6. You will find pipes running perpendicular to the
primary supports that connect to those supports forming a framework. Look a
little further N and find another row of perpendicular pipes. These pipes
provide another level of framework. Each level has some sort of flooring
material. Look just NW of the lower digit 6 and you will find additional
vertical supports for the framework. What we have found is a totally
artificial, multi-floored, really large structure. You will notice that some of
the flooring and top level surfaces have collapsed allowing you to look into
the structure where you can see some really large objects.23
We have been able to 'view' objects inside of this area,
below the framework in which the black area is the result of a slanting
structure and that would account for the lines or striations.24
Now, look along the path defined by the upper digits 4, 5
and 6. You will see what looks like ribs extending down from the body of the
bird. The bird is actually hollow underneath. Those ribs are part of the
overhead roof assembly (body of the bird.) Between the digits 4 and 5 you will
find a large structure that extends from the outside, back under the roof.25
Clarifying this analysis a little more, nothing seen in my
cropped image and the immediate area around it appears natural, nothing. This
entire area is terraformed. Examine the dark area where you find my lower
digits 2 and 3. This is not land. When
this area is enlarged and you increase the brightness, you will see definite
structure. You will see where the dark material connects to the 'hillside' on
the right and runs up to the left beneath the tiered structure. More important,
you will see along the edges that the dark material is thin enough that you can
see the terrain features below it. As stated this could have been a water basin
at one time. Water would drain into this basin and collect beneath the black
stuff which collects heat from the Sun and provides insulation from the cold
above in order to prevent or reduce freezing of the water below. Geothermal
energy could also be used to help prevent freezing. In fact, Geothermal heat
might also be used to passively warm the structures above. 26
............................................
Footnotes:
1. This is a condensed and edited version of a much large
discussion and analysis. See: http://www.anomalyhunters.com.
2. MOC narrow-angle image M14-02185, (released April 4,
2001), http://www.msss.com/moc_gallery/m13_m18/images/M14/M1402185.html.
3. Wil Faust, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Thursday, 7 March 2002,
at 5:31 a.m.
4 Jim Miller, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Thursday, 14 March
2002, at 3:45 p.m.
5. Wil Faust, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Friday, 10 January
2003, at 9:06 p.m.
6. George Haas, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Friday, 8 March 2002,
at 12:25 p.m.
7. Peg, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Thursday, 14 March 2002, at
7:17 p.m.
8. George Haas, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Friday, 8 March 2002,
at 12:25 p.m.
9. Dennis, Tedlock, Popol Vuh, (New York: Touchstone, 1986),
pages 90-94.
10. David Thomas, Exploring Ancient Native America, (New
York: Macmillian, 1994), page 135.
11. George Haas, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Sunday, 10 March
2002, at 2:00 p.m.
12. Keith Laney, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Monday, 11 March
2002, at 11:49 a.m.
13. Sharon Adams, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Tuesday, 14 January
2003, at 4:42 a.m.
14. Wil Faust, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Saturday, 20 April
2002, at 11:00 p.m.
15. Wil Faust, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Sunday, 12 January
2003, at 8:58 p.m.
16. Wil Faust, Anomaly Hunters, PARROTOPIA UPDATE No.1: Was
the City a port?, Date: Saturday, 20 April 2002, at 11:00 p.m.
17. Wil Faust, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Friday, 17 January
2003, at 9:54 p.m.
18. Jim Miller, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Saturday, 18 January
2003, at 4:30 a.m.
19. Sharon Adams, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Saturday, 18
January 2003, at 11:50 a.m.
20. Jim Miller, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Saturday, 18 January
2003, at 5:35 a.m.
21. Wil Faust, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Saturday, 18 January
2003, at 12:16 p.m.
22 Jim MUC, Anomaly Hunters, Now, For Something Completely
Different, Date: Friday, 24 January 2003, at 3:56 a.m.
23. Ibid.
24. Jim Miller, Anomaly Hunters, Date: Friday, 24 January
2003, at 1:28 p.m.
25. Jim MUC, Anomaly Hunters, Now, For Something Completely
Different, Date: Friday, 24 January 2003, at 3:56 a.m.
26. Jim MUC, Anomaly Hunters, Now, For Something Completely
Different, Date: Friday, 24 January 2003, at 2:52 p.m.
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