Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
NASA Planetary Photo Journal Collection
Title:
Martian Dune Field
Original Caption Released with Image:
This spectacular picture of the Martian landscape by the Viking 1 Lander shows a dune field with features remarkably similar to many seen in the deserts of Earth. The dramatic early morning lighting - 7:30 a.m. local Mars time--reveals subtle details and shading. Taken yesterday (August 3) by the Lander s camera #1, the picture covers 100 , looking northeast at left and southeast at right. Viking scientists have studied areas 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 the dunes in the general direction from upper left to lower right. Small deposits downwind of rocks also indicate this wind direction. Large boulder at left is about eight meters (25 feet) from the spacecraft and measures about one by three meters (3 by 10 feet). The meteorology boom, which supports Viking s miniature weather station, cuts through the picture s center. The sun rose two hours earlier and is about 30 above the horizon near the center of the picture.
Addition Date:
1996-12-30
Produced By:
JPL
Mission:
Viking
Spacecraft:
Viking Lander 1
Target Name:
Mars
Is a satellite of:
Sol (our sun)
Instrument:
Camera 1
Product Size:
2490 samples x 512 lines
Primary Data Set:
Viking EDRs
Producer ID:
P17430
facet_what:
Sun
facet_what:
Earth
facet_what:
Mars
facet_what:
Viking
facet_what:
Camera 1
facet_what:
Viking 1 Lander
facet_where:
Mars
facet_where:
California
facet_where:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
facet_where:
Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Image #:
PIA00393
UID:
SPD-PHOTJ-PIA00393
orignial url:

Martian Dune Field