Orbiter Photographs Viking 1 and Pathfinder Landers on Mars' Surface

Posted by tourdemars to Mars Global Surveyor at January 7, 2004 12:00 PM

Scientists have used an orbiting Mars craft to photograph robotic landers that have been sitting dormant on the surface of the red planet since their missions ended. Using a newly developed trick, the researchers imaged Mars Pathfinder, which in 1997 thrilled earthlings with its photographs and the wandering science exploits of its Sojourner rover. Pathfinder appears as a dark dot near a rock that scientists named Yogi during the mission. The Viking 1 lander from 1976 is also visible, as a bright dot in a separate image.