Superegg
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File:Wireframe superegg.jpg
A wireframe representation of a superegg
The geometrical solid produced by rotating a superellipse around its longest axis. (Also sometimes called a superellipsoid.) The superegg is a member of the class of so-called "Lamé solids", named after the French mathematician who first described them.
The superegg's characteristic shape is described by this equation:
In the superegg to the right, the values for the variables are p=2.5, r=3 and h=4. This is the classic pop-culture superegg promulgated by the Danish mathematician, designer and poet Piet Hein in the late 1950's and early '60's. Versions of this superegg are still sold as toys and even housewares.
The messaging artifact discovered on Mars by the wizardly survey team is in the shape of a superegg. (AWOM)