Speculation over the possibility of life on Mars has continually captured the imagination, as shown by the enduring popularity of novels such as War of the Worlds and the John Carter of Mars series, both of which have either been adapted as, or are set to be adapted as, movies. Unfortunately, the extremely cold temperature on Mars makes it highly unlikely that there is intelligent life on the planet – at best, life on Mars could be in the form [...]

Known as the red planet, Mars is nearly half the size of the Earth. Its outer surface is composed of mostly basalt that was brought to the surface by ancient volcanoes, which were active during the planet’s early history. The volcanic activity in the planet stopped many years ago thus leaving its surface covered with iron oxide dust with such a fine consistency comparable to talcum powder. This also gives the planet its red hue. Dust storms also occur on [...]

Texts and descriptions are fine and dandy, but to see planet Mars for what it is is another thing altogether. Enjoy these pictures of Mars.    

Mass (kg): 6.42 x 1023 Diameter (km): 6787 Mean density (kg/m3): 3940 Escape velocity (m/s): 5000 Average distance from Sun : 1.524 AU (227,936,640 km) Rotation period (length of day in Earth days): 1.026 Revolution period (length of year in Earth days) : 686.98 Obliquity (tilt of axis degrees): 25 Orbit inclination (degrees): 1.85 Orbit eccentricity (deviation from circular) : 0.093 Maximum surface temperature (K) : 310 Minimum surface temperature (K) : 150 Visual geometric albedo (reflectivity): 0.15 Highest point [...]

1. Known as the Red Planet, Mars is characterized by its red, dusty landscape. 2. The atmosphere on Mars is very thin, composed mainly of carbon dioxide (95%), nitrogen (2.7%), and argon (1.6%), with traces of oxygen and water. 3. The orbital speed of Mars is 24.2 km per second. 4. Temperatures on Mars vary from a maximum of 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) to minimum -100 degrees C (-148 degrees F). 5. The diameter of the planet Mars [...]