#The face of mars series#

The array of nearby structures has been interpreted by some space enthusiasts as artificial landscapes, such as potential pyramids and even a disintegrated city. Nonetheless, the ‘Face on Mars’ was the subject of widespread speculation on the possible origins and purpose of artificial structures on the Red Planet, with the face being the most talked-about formation. Cydonia lies at approximately 40.75° North and 350.54° East.Ī few days later, on 31 July 1976, a NASA press release said the formation “resembles a human head.” However, NASA scientists had already correctly interpreted the image as an optical illusion caused by the illumination angle of the Sun, the formation’s surface morphology and the resulting shadows, giving the impression of eyes, nose and mouth. The data were gathered during orbit 3253 over the Cydonia region, with a ground resolution of approximately 13.7 metres per pixel.

#The face of mars series#

And now ESA’s Mars Express has revealed even higher resolution images, showing a new perspective view of the face.ĮSA’s Mars Express has obtained images of the Cydonia region, site of the famous ‘ Face on Mars.’ The High Resolution Stereo Camera photos include some of the most spectacular views of the Red Planet ever.Īfter multiple attempts to image the Cydonia region from April 2004 until July 2006 were frustrated by altitude and atmospheric dust and haze, the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board Mars Express finally obtained, on 22 July, a series of images that show the famous ‘face’ on Mars in unprecedented detail. Other NASA orbiters have returned higher resolution images showing that it’s just a naturally forming rock structure. When NASA’s Viking 1 Orbiter sent its first pictures back from Mars in 1976, one feature caught the eye – the famous “Face on Mars” in the Cydonia region.