Cydonia - Early Photograph

One of many photos taken in the northern latitudes of Mars by the Viking 1 Orbiter in search of a landing site for Viking 2.

Cydonia

Face On Mars Image

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
VIKING NEWS CENTER
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
(213) 354-6000

Viking 1-61
P-17384 (35A72)
July 31, 1976

The picture shows eroded mesa-like landforms. The huge rock formation in the center, which resembles a human head, is formed by shadows giving the illusion of eyes, nose and mouth. The feature is 1.5 kilometers (one mile) across, with the sun angle at approximately 20 degrees. The speckled appearance of the image is due to bit errors, emphasized by enlargement of the photo. The picture was taken on July 25 from a range of 1873 kilometers (1162 miles). Viking 2 will arrive in Mars orbit next Saturday (August 7) with a landing scheduled for early September.

Members of the Face Base and the Free Mars Movement wear a pin that looks much like this to identify each other.

Contribute to our wikidot and we'll send you a pin so you can join the revolution!