50 Years Ago Planetary Science

50 years ago, Mariner 4 sent back first pictures from Mars

Excerpt from the July 10, 1965 issue of Science News Letter

inset of Mars from Mariner, Curiosity selfie

THEN AND NOW  The first fuzzy image of Mars (inset) from Mariner 4 in 1965 showed hints of clouds. This year, the Curiosity rover snapped a selfie while exploring Gale Crater.

JPL-Caltech/NASA, MSSS; inset: JPL-Caltech/NASA

By Christopher Crockett

- More than 2 years ago

Earth to Mars in 229 days — The longest recorded journey in the history of man will reach its goal on Wednesday, July 14 — and keep on going.