What is this?

Hi. Stupid question, but can someone look at this flat field image and tell me what these vertical columns of darker pixels are? Why are they on my camera? Flat fields do not normally look like this. These dark columns are also showing up on my images in the sky background. I am using a brand new STL 11000M. Ideas? Advice? Thanks.

Attached Image:

This is a shot or M42 I just took. Why do these dark columns show up? Is there something wrong with the camera or the chip or something? That is my only solution to this is that something with the camera is not correct. Please, any thoughts?

Taken with a STL11000M, 10 sec. exposure, auto contrast.

Attached Image:

It looks like a Bayer matrix. Is this a color camera?

Read this:

http://www.sbig.com/sbwhtmls/STL_mfr_defect.htm

Your syptoms sound very similar...