SILICON-based alien life form? Projectile hurled by little-green men? What's the fuss? A shiny rock has mysteriously materialised alongside the Mars Opportunity rover.

Admittedly, the rover has just woken up after hibernating through the Martian winter since November.

When scientists compared before-and-after photos of the ground immediately around the robotic explorer, something was out of place.

A stone.


Not just any stone, it would seem.

It's been given the grand name "Pinnacle Island".

It has caused something of a stir among online communities.


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