Mars gets its distinctive reddish color from iron oxide, commonly known as rust, that covers its surface.
Mars Has the Tallest Volcano in the Solar System
Olympus Mons is a shield volcano on Mars that stands about 22 km high, nearly three times the height of Mount Everest.
Mars Experiences Huge Dust Storms
Mars is known for its massive dust storms, some of which can cover the entire planet and last for months.
Mars Has Seasons
Like Earth, Mars has seasons due to its axial tilt. However, its seasons are nearly twice as long because a Martian year is about 687 Earth days.
Evidence of Water Exists on Mars
Mars has polar ice caps made of water and dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide), and evidence suggests there was once liquid water flowing on its surface.
Mars Has Two Moons
Scientists believe that ancient Mars had conditions suitable for life, with liquid water, an atmosphere, and a magnetic field. Current missions are searching for signs of past life.
Mars Might Have Supported Life
Scientists believe that ancient Mars had conditions suitable for life, with liquid water, an atmosphere, and a magnetic field. Current missions are searching for signs of past life.