A Mars mission log

An image sent back from Mars has revealed an object which has conspiracy nuts going wild. An object looking very like a wooden log was captured by the Mars Rover near the Endurance Crater. The discovery has delighted saner heads.

The find has excited conspiracy theorists on blogs and websites who claim it is evidence there are vast forests on Mars that have been kept from the public. A writer from TheCrit.com for example said NASA's claims Mars was a desert world were 'lies' and that 'there are vast forests on Mars, ones that are kept from the public.' Furthermore the 'wood' was brought to its present position by a flood of water that must have happened within 40 years 'because the wood is intact.'

On the other hand tv gardener Diarmuid Gavin, in a statement on behalf of The Decking Association said “this discovery is a momentous occasion for manufacturers of wooden patios across the world. For centuries we have believed that we were alone in the universe, enjoying our decking in splendid isolation. Now we know that our Martian brothers enjoyed decking too, It is a truly marvellous discovery”

Other factions have noticed the polygonal pattern on the Martian surface. David Yorkstone, President of the National Patio Association said “Those foolish deck jockeys seem to believe that a piece of rock that looks like a bit of driftwood proves the existence of extra-terrestrial decking. However, it is clear to even the meanest of intellects that the Mars Rover is resting on an ancient and, if I may say so, a well laid stone patio.”

Relations between the Decking Association and the National Patio Association are believed to be at an all time low.