text: Mission control were suprised at first until they realised it was just another "Martian mesa". A few days later NASA unveiled the image to the public and the caption noted huge rock formation . . . which resembles a human head . . . formed by shadows giving the illusion of eyes, nose, and mouth. The authors reasoned it was a great way to attract attention to Mars . The "Face on Mars " has became a pop icon it has starred in many magazines and books.