Viking 1 Lander Images
Trenches dug by the Viking 1 Lander in the "Sandy Flats" location on Mars
The Viking 1 Lander sampling arm created a
number of deep trenches as part of the surface composition and biology experiments on
Mars. The digging tool on the sampling arm (at lower center) could scoop up samples of
material and deposit them into the appropriate experiment. Some holes were dug deeper to
study soil which was not affected by solar radiation and weathering. The trenches in this
ESE looking image are in the "Sandy Flats" area of the landing site at Chryse
Planitia. The boom holding the meteorology sensors is at left. (Viking 1 Lander, 11D128)
Sunset at the Viking 1 Lander site
Viking 1 Lander image of a martian
sunset over Chryse Planitia. In this image the sun is 2 degrees below the local horizon.
The banding in the sky is an artifact produced by the incremental brightness levels of the
camera. This image was taken on the 30th martian day (sol) after touchdown, at 19:13 local
time. The camera is pointing towards the southwest. (Viking 1 Lander, 12A240)
Color view of Chryse Planitia looking NW over the Viking 1 Lander
Viking 1 Lander image of Chryse Planitia
looking over the lander. The large white object at lower left and center, with the
American flag on the side, is the radiothermal generator (RTG) cover. The high-gain S-band
antenna is at upper right. The view, from 22 N, 50 W, is to the northwest. Chryse Planitia
is a wide, low plain covered with large rocks and loose sand and dust. The image was taken
on 30 August 1976, a little over a month after landing. (Viking 1 Lander, 12B069)