Original 'Face on Mars'


Credits: NASA/JPL

The image above is the Original 'Face on Mars' image taken by NASA's Viking 1 orbiter, in grey scale, on July 25, 1976. On July 31, 1976, a NASA press release said the formation "resembles a human head." However, NASA scientists had already correctly interpreted the image as an optical illusion caused by the illumination angle of the Sun, the formation's surface morphology and the resulting shadows, giving the impression of eyes, nose and mouth.  Nonetheless, the 'Face on Mars' was the subject of widespread speculation on the possible origins and purpose of artificial structures on the Red Planet, with the face being the most talked-about formation.

A Perspective View of the 'Face on Mars'

Credits: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum), MOC (Malin Space Science Systems)

A perspective view showing the so-called 'Face on Mars' located in the Cydonia region. Cydonia is located in the Arabia Terra region on Mars and belongs to the transition zone between the southern highlands and the northern plains of Mars. The image shows a remnant massif thought to have formed via landslides and an early form of debris apron formation. The remnant massif is characterized by a western wall that has moved downslope as a coherent mass. The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board Mars Express obtained, on July 22, a series of images that include some of the most spectacular views of the Red Planet ever.

Related Information:

• The Original 'Face on Mars' image was taken by NASA's Viking 1 orbiter, in grey scale, on July 25, 1976.
   

• On July 31, 1976, a NASA press release said the formation "resembles a human head." However, NASA scientists had already correctly interpreted the image as an optical illusion caused by the illumination angle of the Sun, the formation's surface morphology and the resulting shadows, giving the impression of eyes, nose and mouth.
   

• The remnant massif is characterized by a western wall that has moved downslope as a coherent mass.
   

• The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board Mars Express obtained, on July 22, a series of images that include some of the most spectacular views of the Red Planet ever.