China's Yutu-2 Rover Finds a Cubic-Appearing 'Mystery Hut' on the Far Side of the Moon

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Michael Watson

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Message 2089630 - Posted: 5 Dec 2021, 18:23:39 UTC
Last modified: 5 Dec 2021, 18:37:06 UTC

This is now being widely reported in the mainstream and science news press: China's Yutu-2 Rover has discovered a cube-like object, about 80 meters North of its current position. The Rover is located in Von Kharman crater, on the far side of the Moon

The object has been deemed of high interest. Accordingly, the Rover will spend the next 2 to 3 months creeping across the intervening distance, so that it can examine the object more closely. The object has been referred to by the Chinese authorities, rather fancifully, as a 'mystery hut'

I examined the photograph of the object, and can report the following: It does, indeed, look something like the square side of a cube, seen face-on. Its sides and top form straight lines, and are at right angles to each other.

The whole cube, assuming that's what it is, is tilted slightly with respect to the apparent horizon. A vertical area within the visible square is of a darker shade.

With such low resolution, due to the distance, its hard to judge what this signifies, or even how the squarish object will appear, upon closer examination. A video concentrating on the 'cube' image is linked below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUW_0lWJf7w
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Message 2089678 - Posted: 6 Dec 2021, 15:41:15 UTC
Last modified: 6 Dec 2021, 15:43:37 UTC

I wondered how large the cubic object might be. It appears that the Yutu -2 Rover used its panoramic camera for the discovery image.

A panoramic camera is usually defined as one with a field of view of from 110 to 140 degrees. I measured the size of the 'cube' in proportion to the width of the image. I found that it spans about one thirtieth of the image.

At a distance of 80 meters, and assuming my math is correct, the object should be about 11 to 14 meters , or about 36 to 46 feet, in height and width. A substantial object, then, whatever it may turn out to be.
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Message 2089759 - Posted: 7 Dec 2021, 18:04:46 UTC
Last modified: 7 Dec 2021, 18:21:31 UTC

Highly magnified images of the 'cube' make it seem that it could be two two vertical features, very close by each other, with the dark area being a space between them. Either that or an arch, rather reminiscent of the famous 'Arch of Triumph' in Paris, France. Of course either of these alternatives would seem even less likely than a blocky object of squarish aspect.

A link to a highly magnified view of the 'cube' may be found, below:

http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=49829
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Message 2089766 - Posted: 7 Dec 2021, 21:08:11 UTC

I am definitely curious about this. I am certain it is just a natural formation, but it is quite interesting, and I'm glad the Chinese are going to investigate it.
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Message 2089785 - Posted: 8 Dec 2021, 1:09:49 UTC - in response to Message 2089759.  
Last modified: 8 Dec 2021, 1:11:20 UTC

It's merely a boulder with a shadowed hollow facing the camera .

There rest of the 'cube' effect is merely an artifact of the low resolution pixellation.

Hold on to your drinks! Hopefully the little rover will get a closer view to clarify.


Hark back to the many years of "Mystery" for the Viking pictures of Cydonia...? Enjoy!

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Message 2089845 - Posted: 8 Dec 2021, 22:19:08 UTC

Granted, the geological explanation for the Moon 'cube' is a perfectly reasonable one. In a number of instances in the past, something has been noticed in images of the surface of the Moon or Mars, and was attributed to life, or even intelligence. None of these seem to have stood up very well under scrutiny.

Having said that, though, the possibility of finding an artifact of extraterrestrial intelligent life, either on Earth or another solar system body is far from having been ruled out.

These are very early days in the discovery of the Moon cube. We have very little data, at the moment, on which to base a certain conclusion of any sort. If all goes as planned, we will have much better data soon.
Even well before the Yutu-2 Rover reaches the 'cube', we will have better and better images of it. As the resolution of the images increases, we will witness one of two things happening:

1.) An increasingly rough, irregular, craggy thing is revealed, which will favor the geological explanation, or,

2.) An object that becomes more and more clearly defined as too even, smooth, and regular in form for a naturalistic explanation to support conviction.

I'm going wait for that data before deciding: What is the cube on the Moon?
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Message 2089855 - Posted: 9 Dec 2021, 0:40:12 UTC - in response to Message 2089845.  

Allow me to be the first to rule out an artifact on the moon.
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Message 2089926 - Posted: 9 Dec 2021, 23:08:13 UTC
Last modified: 9 Dec 2021, 23:23:56 UTC

The cubic-appearing object on the Moon, given the place-holder name of 'mystery hut' also appears to have been photographed in at least one orbital Lunar survey. It appears near the coordinates 400 meters North , 450 meters West, based on the benchmark of the Chang'e 4/ Yutu-2 landing site.

The object presents as a bright globule of light, which is about all that could be managed from Lunar orbit, with the given resolving power. The shadow the object casts appears directly to its Southwest.

The relatively large, well-defined crater, upon the southern rim of which the object lies, is reported to be about twenty meters in diameter. This gives a probably more accurate value for the size of the object, of about 2 to 4 meters in width and height. This is notably smaller than in my previous calculations.

This is primarily because the image I previously used was presented cropped to various degrees, by various sources. This confounded my efforts to accurately compare the apparent size of the object to the full field of view of the image.

Please find a link to the new image, below, with the above coordinate system marked upon it. By the way, the image is clickable, in order to enlarge it substantially.

http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=49802
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Message 2090039 - Posted: 11 Dec 2021, 17:40:44 UTC
Last modified: 11 Dec 2021, 17:46:43 UTC

I examined again the highly magnified image of the cube-like object discovered by the Yutu-2 Rover, which is linked in a pervious post. To counteract the blocky effects of pixilation on the image, I tried viewing it while several feet from the computer screen.

The results were rather interesting, and suggest that calling this object a cube may be too superficial a description. What I found was this:

There are four different areas of interest in the image.

1.) The vertical section on the left

2.) The vertical section on the right

3.)The vertical dark section interposed between the above two

4.)The horizontal section, which appears to span the distance between the tops of sections 1 and 2.

Sections 1 and 2 have oval-appearing tops of high brightness. Below these, each has a much dimmer section. Below this, each has a moderately bright stump-like base.

Section 3 is very dark, and extends from the surface of the Moon, up as far as the horizontal section 4.

Section 4 is quite dim and of nearly consistent brightness.

The entire object appears to lean slightly to the left.

When screen brightness was reduced, it appeared as if there were four separate objects: The separate bright tops of the two vertical sections, and the bases of the same two. The middles of the vertical sections were obscured, as was the horizontal section, which otherwise connects them, at their tops. These four bright areas appear together, somewhat like the four spots on a die.

It may be argued that this is a cube-like boulder with a depression in its middle, which remains blocked from Sunlight. However, I find the symmetrical juxtaposition of the light and dark parts of the two vertical sections to be quite intriguing, and perhaps unlikely in a boulder.
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Message 2090056 - Posted: 11 Dec 2021, 23:04:19 UTC - in response to Message 2090039.  
Last modified: 11 Dec 2021, 23:09:18 UTC

Thanks for a good write-up and conjecture.

Really wish others would write up such ideas and the source for those ideas so that the scientific methods can be used to home in upon a real world truth.

For your example, two image processing 'tricks' that can be tried for low resolution enhancement are: Interpolation; And Gaussian filtered contrast enhancement. Beware that introduction of artifacts is guaranteed...


Myself, I'm awaiting further data whether from a closer view or further views but for different angles of lighting...

Stay illuminated!!


Keep searchin',
Martin
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Message 2090103 - Posted: 12 Dec 2021, 19:55:07 UTC

Thanks, ML1. The discovery image of the 'mystery hut' was apparently taken on December 3rd. The Yutu-2 Rover was active through December10th, before its customary Lunar nighttime 'hibernation'.

It seems there would have been time for another image with a substantially different sun-angle, perhaps as much as 60 degrees. None has been mentioned or published, though, as far as I can ascertain.

If I interpret the Rover's schedule correctly, it will emerge from its slumbers by about December 29th. The next window for photography will between that date and about January 8th.
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Message 2090338 - Posted: 15 Dec 2021, 22:04:40 UTC
Last modified: 15 Dec 2021, 22:10:13 UTC

I wanted to consider the way the sunlight strikes the 'mystery hut' and what this might tell us about its shape.
The light is coming from the right in the image, and at a fairly high angle, judging by the short shadows.
As I noted before, the outer vertical sections each have similar bands displaying more or less reflected light. These follow the sequence bright-- dark--bright, working upward from their bases.

The three-dimensional physical model I constructed explains this. If the bulk of these sections are cylindrical they would reflect light into the camera with reasonable efficiency. The darker, intervening subsections would be of a squarish shape. If oriented broadsides to the sunlight, the sides facing the camera would reflect very little light toward the Yutu-2 Rover.

The dark, horizontal section at the top would, in this model, be a long, rectangular object. Its long axis would be mostly shaded, so also fairly dark. The interior vertical section between the other two, the darkest section of all, is considered, here, to be an open void, and so reflecting virtually no light.

The physical model I made reproduces the appropriate reflected light values to a good approximation, when illuminated with an properly positioned light source. The four bright, equally-spaced sections, forming the corners of a square, are apparent.

The model's shape it reminiscent of a classic trilithon, except that these typically have consistent, roughly rectangular vertical columns. These are perhaps most familiar from the example of the famous Stonehenge monument in England. Even here, though, there is the exceptional rounded column.

I don't intend to maintain with certainty, that this model is the shape of the 'mystery hut' on the Moon. I simply note a marked correspondence between the two sets of light values, in my physical model, and the image of the object on the Moon. I hope that this model will prove to be a useful tool in further evaluating the enigmatic 'mystery hut'.
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Message 2090519 - Posted: 18 Dec 2021, 16:35:32 UTC
Last modified: 18 Dec 2021, 16:49:02 UTC

It's interesting to note what the late Dr. Carl Sagan, a real exponent of scientific rigor, and foe of pseudo-science, once had to say on the general subject of this thread.

He remarked that it was 'not out of the question' that objects left by extraterrestrial visitors to our part of space might be found on the far side of the Moon. He reasoned that such constructions would be protected there from the destructive effects of weathering, such as we have on Earth. Further, that human meddling would also be thwarted. He also predicted that high resolution photography might eventually reveal such structures. hmmm. . . . .

By the way-- Dr. Sagan's speculations on this matter are documented in the book 'We Are Not Alone -- The Search for Intelligent Life on Other Worlds' by Walter Sullivan, science editor of the New YorkTimes. See chapter 16-- Can They Visit Us?
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Message 2090538 - Posted: 18 Dec 2021, 21:37:05 UTC - in response to Message 2090338.  

Scott Manley gives a good view of the mystery object:

See:

New Astronauts, New Spaceflight Records - Deep Space Update 13th December 2021


Keep searchin'!
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Message 2090665 - Posted: 21 Dec 2021, 19:49:41 UTC
Last modified: 21 Dec 2021, 20:01:50 UTC

Looking again, over the Lunar orbital picture of the area of interest around the 'mystery hut', to which I linked in my December 9th post. Considering the explanation of a boulder thrown up onto the rim of the crater, from the impact that created it.

I see at least five objects on the Northern half of the crater rim. They are apparently roughly the same size as the 'mystery hut' but far less bright and more irregular looking in shape. I reason that these could be such boulders.

How is it that the supposed boulder, the one called 'mystery hut', happens to be reflecting back so much more light than these others? Since the picture is taken from orbit, apparently from a close to overhead position, it looks as if it is presenting a flatter aspect to the camera, than the boulders on the other side of the crater. This is, of course, consonant with the cubic or squarish interpretation of the object in the discovery photograph.

Such a flat-topped boulder is possible, or course, but we see by the five other examples that this is probably an atypical shape and orientation for a boulder, at least as far as this crater is concerned. I don't look for much geological variability in a crater only 20 meters wide. We also have the oddity of at least five apparent boulders to the North, but only a supposed lone, conspicuous one one to the South.
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Message 2090816 - Posted: 24 Dec 2021, 18:33:44 UTC

So, what can we expect to see in further images of the 'mystery hut', as the Yutu-2 Lunar Rover moves toward it?

We were told that the trip to the object would take 2 to 3 months, from the date of the announcement of this discovery. That announcement was made in early December. If we assume a two month trip, about half of that trip will probably have been completed by early January. We could expect the object to appear twice as large as before. Even if a three month trip is assumed, the 'mystery hut' should appear about 1.5 times its former size.

Starting with such a small-appearing object, this may seem only a slight improvement. Still, it may be possible to tentatively test my predictions, posted here previously. If the object is a rough, natural one, it should appear more so, when seen enlarged. And if it is an artificial object, it could appear more regular, smooth, and probably symmetrical, too.

In the meantime, my best wishes to all, for a Cool Yule, and an interesting and rewarding New Year!
Michael
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Message 2091101 - Posted: 30 Dec 2021, 0:58:24 UTC

To get a better idea of how much added detail a new, closer up image of the so-called mystery hut, 1.5. or 2 times larger than the original will offer, one can simply multiply the side length , measured in the number of pixels, by itself.

The part of the original image showing the object, judging by appearances, may be about 20 pixels wide and tall. 20 pixels times 20 pixels gives us 400 pixels.

An image 30 pixels on a side, or half again as large, gives us 900 pixels, or over twice was much information.

An image twice as large is 40 x 40 pixels, and contains 1600 pixels, four times the information, and four times the clarity of the original image. Either new view would be well worth seeing, it appears to me.
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Message 2091379 - Posted: 3 Jan 2022, 14:51:39 UTC
Last modified: 3 Jan 2022, 15:01:53 UTC

There are several factors that contribute to the slow progress of the Yutu-2 Rover, toward the 'mystery hut', its current goal. Besides the need for sunlight to power the Rover, it's too hot around Lunar midday for it to operate. A great deal of care is being taken in photographing the route ahead, stereoscopically, in order to plan its movements.

Yutu-2 is currently in its 38th Lunar day, which should end about January 9th. Information gathered during Lunar day 37, which ended on December 10th, is apparently still being analyzed and prepared for presentation.

A well written article is linked below. If goes into further detail about the way the Yutu-2 Rover is being operated.

https://www.space.com/china-moon-rover-mystery-hut-long-journey
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Message 2091571 - Posted: 6 Jan 2022, 19:28:55 UTC
Last modified: 6 Jan 2022, 19:45:18 UTC

A newly updated map of the progress of the Yutu-2 Rover across the Moon's surface is now available. It shows that the Rover has traveled about half the distance formerly between itself and the so called 'Mystery Hut', or about 40 meters.

As discussed above, this should mean that the new image of the mysterious structure should appear about twice as high and twice as wide, as before. It should contain around four times as much information, and be four times clearer than the former image.

That map, which is made from pictures taken from Lunar orbit, has the route, its current objective, and the dates of travel marked on it. It is linked, below. The image can be significantly enlarged by clicking on it. One can then pan about to the desired area.

http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=50056
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Message 2091666 - Posted: 7 Jan 2022, 20:03:47 UTC

The much-anticipated new, closer-up image of the so-called 'mystery hut' has now been released. It leaves no real doubt about the nature of the object.

Please find a link, below, to that image.

http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=50093
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Message boards : Science (non-SETI) : China's Yutu-2 Rover Finds a Cubic-Appearing 'Mystery Hut' on the Far Side of the Moon


 
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