Mars - The Red Planet

Mars is the 4th planet from the Sun, belonging to the terrestrial planets. It is the most studied planet in the solar system after Earth. Mars is clearly visible from Earth even without a telescope. Mars has polar ice caps, valleys, deserts, mountains, and craters.

The main tasks facing Mars researchers are: 1. Determine if life existed on Mars. 2. Study Mars' climate. 3. Study Mars' geology. 4. Understand if Mars can be made habitable.

One of the main goals of all Mars expeditions is to determine if there is liquid water on Mars or traces of it. This question is key because almost everywhere there is water on Earth, there is also life. If there was once liquid water on Mars, or if it still exists, then there is a possibility of microscopic life forms existing on its surface.

10 Facts About Mars

  • Mars is the 4th planet from the Sun, belonging to the terrestrial planets.
  • The planet's mass is almost 10 times less than Earth's mass, and its diameter is approximately 2 times smaller than Earth's.
  • The planet's surface has a reddish tint, which is given to it by the mineral maghemite.
  • Mars has 2 satellites - Phobos and Deimos. Phobos is approaching Mars, Deimos is moving away.
  • Mars is the most studied planet after Earth.
  • Mars is home to the highest mountain in the solar system - Olympus Mons.
  • Martian days last 37 minutes longer than Earth days, a year lasts 779 Earth days.
  • Minimum temperature at the poles is -150°C, maximum at the equator is +20°C. The axis tilt is practically the same as Earth's, and there are also seasonal changes here.
  • The atmosphere is very thin, mainly consisting of carbon dioxide. Surface pressure is 160 times less than Earth's surface pressure.
  • Mars is the only planet where the existence of microorganisms is assumed, but there is still insufficient data for a full analysis.
Гора Шарп Облака и пыльные бури на Марсе Дымка пыли скрывает Марс Команда ученых, работающих над посадочным модулем Phoenix Марсоход Кьюриосити Селфи Криосити Горные хребты на Марсе Песчаные дюны Скальная порода