Curious ElfThe Red Planet has long been a topic of discussion in every space agency. But with the ever-increasing discoveries on this planet, the curiosity among people to know more is rising rapidly. Is there life on Mars? Why is the color of Mars red? These are some burning questions that people are yearning to know each day.
That is why we have come up with this blog to help you unleash all significant facts about Mars. Let us help you understand this tiny planet a bit more carefully with us right away!
All you need to know about the red planet
Why is it called the Red Planet?
Mars is red. Unlike our Earth, its surface is made of regolith that covers the surface with dust and rocks. The regolith contains iron-rich minerals that lead to the bloody color of this planet. When the iron-minerals rust, it looks utterly red. So, as the planet is red, people started to call it the Red world eventually. In no time, ancient Greeks and Egyptians started calling it the Red planet in their respective languages. That is how the name fell to be so for Mars.
How far is it from the Earth?
It is tough to say this because the distance between Earth and Mars is continuously changing as they spin around the sun. At its furthest, Mars is at a distance from the sun at 249 million kilometers. However, the minimum distance from Earth is 54.6 million, while the furthest could be 400 million kilometers away. Generally, it is pretty close to our planet and takes almost 128 days from Earth to reach Mars. As the fourth planet in the solar system, it is close to the Earth amidst all other planets. Not bad.
Is there life on Mars?
Although many scientists have claimed that there could be life on Mars due to floating water, we are not quite sure about it. But amidst all other planets in our solar system, it looks like Mars is more capable of inhabiting humans due to its weather, presence of water, and flat surfaces. The valleys, mountains, and craters also make it a good place for most people. However, the possibilities are far less than the impossibilities due to an array of meaningful reasons.
This artist’s concept depicts astronauts and human habitats on Mars. NASA’s Mars 2020 rover will carry a number of technologies that could make Mars safer and easier to explore for humans.
Are there humans on Mars?
No. Although research suggests that there might have been the presence of Microorganisms on it before and even liquid water, no one can say if there were humans and little green men on this planet ever. Currently, it is inhabited by 17 robots sent forth from Earth by scientists to observe Mars more carefully.
What is its specialty?
Mars is notable for numerous reasons. It has two moons called Phobos and Deimos that are named after Greek Gods, the twin sons of Mars. It has the highest mountain and the deepest, longest Valleys as well. It is also home to the largest Volcanoes in the solar system. Its size, which is not even half of Earth makes it the second-smallest planet in the solar system after Mercury.
How long is a year on this planet?
It takes 687 days for this planet to complete a rotation around the sun.
Is it too hot?
No. Mars is quite a cold planet in comparison to Earth. Since Mars is far from Earth, it is not that hot after all. At the poles, Mars can get as cold as -125 degrees Celsius. However, on average, the temperature is -63degree Celsius. The thin atmosphere of Mars also results in cloudy and windy weather at regular intervals. It is also home to the most significant dust storms in the solar system due to all the dust on its surface.
The bottom line
This 4.6-billion-year-old planet is the fourth planet in the solar system. Although several researchers, scientists, and astronauts have been involved in discovering Mars more closely, many other unknown facts are yet to be known about this planet. There are also many more mysteries to unravel. You can learn more about this planet with time.
