[samwilliams]

While that post was very amusing, I don't believe this can really be compared to your example. If this really is a piece of the rover that has fallen off it could spell disaster for a hugely important and expensive mission.

[aik]

True but you have to agree that opening HN and seeing, "NASA: Mars rover Curiosity finds bright object" is a bit humorous on several levels. The dichotomy makes it so:

1. Big impact: Science and our understanding of the universe is being explored in new and very promising ways.

2. Big impact: Billions of dollars and years of time spent are on the line.

3. Generally tiny impact (except for this situation): What is often seen as a child-like curiosity: Look, shiny object! What is it!?

Which also makes it humorous that we see the title and think, "that sounds interesting".