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The image above is the first photograph ever taken from the surface of Mars. It was taken by the Viking 1 lander shortly after it touched down on Mars on July 20, 1976. Part of footpad #2 can be seen in the lower right corner, with sand and dust in the center of it, probably deposited during landing.

The next day, color photographs were also taken on the Martian surface. A color photo taken by Viking lander 2 in September 1976 was featured as the Historical Photo of the Month for November 1996.

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