Parallel Linear Features in Martian Surface: Potential Wood Cell-like Structures Captured by SHERLOC ACI

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Abstract

This study analyzes a high-resolution grayscale image captured by the SHERLOC Autofocus and Context Imager (ACI) aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover, taken on Sol 1630. The image, acquired with a known field of view of 16.16 × 12.12 mm, shows a textured Martian surface marked by linear and circular patterns. Most notably, several horizontal white lines run in parallel, suggesting possible fossilized remains of vessel elements, a type of wood cell. While the pattern’s origin remains undetermined, the repeating structures bear a striking resemblance to terrestrial biological materials, yet also present characteristics that could suggest artificial assembly or mineral deposition. The spacing between the paired white lines—measured between and including the lines—ranges from approximately 52 to 76 microns. This article describes the morphological context, measurement methods, and implications of such features within the broader search for biosignatures and technosignatures on Mars.

Introduction

The SHERLOC instrument aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover captures detailed images of the Martian surface to provide context for spectroscopic analysis. Among the captured frames, certain ACI images have revealed intriguing microstructures. One such image (Figure 1), taken on Sol 1630, displays parallel white lines and circular textures that closely resemble the vessel elements and wood cell cross-sections known from terrestrial biology. This article explores the spatial characteristics of these features and their potential origins, whether biological, geological, or artificial.

Figure 1

Figure 1. SHERLOC ACI image captured on Sol 1630 by NASA’s Perseverance rover. The field of view is approximately 16.16 mm × 12.12 mm. Red arrows (in the source image) indicate horizontally oriented white lines resembling wood vessel elements. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fossil_lin/54803645181/sizes/o/

Measurement and Analysis

Using the known field of view and pixel dimensions, the spacing between white lines—measured from the red-arrowed pairs in the original figure—ranges from approximately 52 to 76 microns, inclusive of the line width. This size range is consistent with the dimensions of fossilized vessel elements observed in some terrestrial woods and previously reported Martian candidates in earlier research (e.g., Lin, 2025). The nearly parallel alignment and rhythmic spacing of these lines, along with associated circular features, lend support to biological or biomimetic interpretations.

Discussion

The morphological regularity and size similarity between these Martian features and terrestrial plant cells invite several interpretations. A biological origin would be highly significant, suggesting the fossilization of ancient Martian wood-like structures. Alternatively, abiotic explanations such as sedimentary banding, fracture filling, or artificial fabrication cannot be excluded. The patterning and alignment may reflect intentional arrangement, reminiscent of construction or composite material design. Additional contextual imaging and spectroscopic correlation will be necessary to refine these hypotheses.

Conclusion

The linear microstructures documented in this ACI image exhibit form and scale comparable to known biological structures, yet resist immediate classification. Their presence underscores the importance of high-resolution imaging and measurement in the astrobiological evaluation of Martian surface materials. Future imaging campaigns and comparative studies will be crucial for determining the true nature of these enigmatic features.

References

Lin, L. (2025). Many Vessel Elements on Mars. Wretch Fossil Blog. https://wretchfossil.blogspot.com/2025/09/many-vessel-elements-on-mars.html

Wretch Fossil’s website:http://wretchfossil.blogspot.com/

Source: https://wretchfossil.blogspot.com/2025/09/parallel-linear-features-in-martian.html