An object bearing a striking resemblance to the logo of the 'Star Trek' franchise has been spotted on Mars.
An image from NASA shows a crescent-shaped imprint in the planet's southern hemisphere.
However the US space agency has said dunes, lava and wind are responsible for the curious chevron shape.
NASA explained: "Long ago, there were large crescent-shaped (barchan) dunes that moved across this area, and at some point, there was an eruption.
"The lava flowed out over the plain and around the dunes, but not over them.
"The lava solidified, but these dunes still stuck up like islands.
Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona"However, they were still just dunes, and the wind continued to blow.
"Eventually, the sand piles that were the dunes migrated away, leaving these 'footprints' in the lava plain."
These are also called 'dune casts' and record the presence of dunes that were surrounded by lava.
It added: "Enterprising viewers will make the discovery that these features look conspicuously like a famous logo: and you'd be right, but it's only a coincidence."
But actress Kate Mulgrew, who played the character of Captain Kathryn Janeway on 'Star Trek: Voyager', has a suggestion.
"Roddenberry suspected, but Janeway will verify! Let's put together an away team", she tweeted - before tagging several other former cast members.
Roddenberry suspected, but Janeway will verify! Let’s put together an away team. @timruss2 @RobertPicardo @GarrettRWang you’re with me, @robertbeltran74 you have the bridge. 🖖🏻🔬🚀 #coolscience #nasa #starfleet https://t.co/poAQa2NCDF
— Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) June 14, 2019
