The phrase "possible analog" means finding something similar to compare or relate to another thing. It helps to understand or explain something by looking at a comparable situation or object. Full definition
Geologist David Marchant of Boston University has spent more than 20 research seasons in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, discovering not only how the region formed and evolved over time, but possible analogs to the geology of Mars. (discovermagazine.com)
The paper is titled «Processing of meteoritic organic materials as a possible analog of early molecular evolution in planetary environments,» and is co-authored by Pizzarello, geologist Lynda Williams, NMR specialist Gregory Holland and graduate student Stephen Davidowski, all from ASU. (sciencedaily.com)
Harvard roboticist Nils Napp is developing modified versions of the termites that can pile up burlap rice sacks weighing a few pounds — a possible analog to reinforcing levees with sandbags or performing other construction jobs in places where it's risky for humans, such as flood zones, contaminated environments, underwater or in outer space. (discovermagazine.com)