The United States Flag Stands On The Surface Of Mars

The flag of the United States stands on the surface of Mars. It is mounted on the housing of Viking 1's nuclear power system. Also seen are the U.S. Bicentennial symbol and a student-designed Viking emblem. The bright flat surface near the center is the seismometer container. This picture was taken on July 23 at about 2:30 p.m. Mars time. The view is west of the spacecraft and includes a series of low hills. The blocky hill in the center appears to be part of a crater rim. The dark, rocky stripes may be material ejected from the crater. The light areas are dune-like and may be accumulations of windblown sand or dust.