Astronomy Picture of the Day . Pathfinder on Mars . ... Yesterday, July 4th, using its own array of fireworks, a parachute, and a cocoon of airbags, the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft successfully bounced and came to rest on the surface of Mars at 10:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time. A Landing On Mars . ... Mars Pathfinder is nearing the end of its 7 month journey. ... Asteroid 253 Mathilde's Large Craters . ... You're zipping through the Solar System when you pass ... asteroid 253 Mathilde. ...