Square Pyramid in SW Elysium Planitia

Enhancements

We are focusing on the anomalous regular structure with a row of same-sized mounds in the lower left corner of the Viking context image. Unfortunately the scale of the Viking photo is not given, but it is probably similar to the other Viking pictures we've been looking at. If so, this anomalous structure would be about a mile across.

At 2x magnification, the structure is certainly a building, distinctly pyramid-like, with a square base -- although eroded -- and four apparently identical triangular sides sloping towards where the apex would be if we could see the point. Similar, in fact, to Earth's ancient Egyptian pyramids, although larger.

What are the four lumps on the top? How many of these protrusions are part of the structure? From the shadows, we can tell that the light is coming from the upper right corner (1:30 or 2:00). Those little circles outside the perimeter of the pyramid are definitely depressions. (e.g. craters). Therefore, these mounds on top of the pyramid are definitely convex.

Note bright features in the upper left corner of the picture. We'll enhance those later.

Here we magnify 2x more, increase contrast, and adjust bright/dark.

The pyramid seems to be sitting within, or is part of, a more oval-shaped structure that is more apparent on the right side than the left.

There is a rectangular wall, a bit off center, just outside the structure on the left side: probably an entranceway.

2x more is about the limit of magnification.

Along the upper perimeter of the square-inside-an-oval, there appear to be three knobs similar in size to the three (4?) on top of the pyramid.

What is that dark marking on the bright luminous right side of the pyramid? Another entry? Some sort of damage?

It seems unlikely that an elevated sloped structure in direct sun light would have a heavy coating of light-colored dust, water frost, or carbon-dioxide ice. Probably this luminosity is due to sunlight striking a plastic-like covering. Such materials may have been the main body of the wall. Even after millennia, enough would be hanging there to give a high reflection.

Here are the other bright features mentioned before, magnified 4x.

They must be large to cast such distinct shadows. These appear to be also be constructed objects, smaller buildings perhaps.