Channels and Craters on Mars
Photograph Number P-17698

This mosaic of Mars images was taken by Viking Orbiter 1 over a period of 6 days in August 1976. It shows channels and craters west of Chryse Planitia, the site where Viking Lander 1 touched down. According to the original caption released with this photo, the channels suggest a massive flood of water from Lunae Planum, flowing across this cratered terrain. In some cases, the channels cut through craters. In others, the craters clearly happened later than the flood and are superimposed on the channels.

The Viking 1 spacecraft was launched on August 20, 1975, arrived at Mars on June 19, 1976, and after the orbiter had located a safe landing spot, the lander touched down July 20, 1976. Once the lander was safely on the surface, the orbiter began to systematically image the surface of the planet. Viking 2 was launched, reached Mars, and sent a lander to the surface, all within 1-2 months of Viking 1.

For more information about the Viking project, or about the history of JPL, contact the JPL Archives.

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