Martian surface image taken August 3rd 1976

Viking 1-64 SOL 14 Mars surface image taken August 3rd, 1976 by Viking Lander 1 camera 1. NASA image credit: Shows a dune field with features remarkably similar to many seen in the deserts of earth. Dramatic early morning lighting 7:30am local Mars time reveals subtle details and shading. The image shows 100 degrees looking northeast at left and southeast at right. Viking scientists have studied the area very much like the one in this view in Mexico and in California (Kelso, Death Valley, Yuma). The sharp dune crests indicate the most recent wind storms capable of moving sand over dunes in the general direction from upper right ot lower right. Small deposits downwind of the rocks also indicate this wind direction. Large boulder at left is about 8 meters (25 feet) from the spacecraft and measures about one by three meters (3 by ten feet). The Meteorology boom which supports Vikings miniature weather station cuts through the pictures center. The sun rose two hours earlier and is about 30 degrees above the horizon near the center of the picture.