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29. Surface of Mars (Sojourner) Ares Vallis, Mars
29. Surface of Mars (Sojourner)
Ares Vallis, Mars

Mars Pathfinder obtained this 3-D view of the microrover Sojourner shortly after it rolled onto the martian surface on July 5, 1997. Sojourner is 63 centimeters (25 inches) long and weighs about 10 kilograms. The ramp used by the rover to move onto the surface is visible in the foreground. Also visible are a variety of rocks, including “Barnacle Bill,” located next to Sojourner. Barnacle Bill was the first rock analyzed by the rover. The largest rock in the scene is “Yogi,” which is 1–2 meters across. The Mars Pathfinder landing site is at the mouth of Ares Vallis, a large outflow channel that emptied into the Chryse Basin. Vast floodwaters poured over this site several billion years ago.

Mars Pathfinder images.

Right click here to download a high-resolution version of the image (1.14 MB)



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