The Red Planet
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, making it the last of the inner planets. Mars is named after the mythological Roman God of War because of its deep red colour. It is often referred to as the 'Red Planet' and has 2 Moons. Scientist believe that Mars has Polar caps which are made of solid carbon dioxide, called 'dried ice'.
Climate and Atmosphere
The climate of Mars is much colder than Earth. One main reason for this is its distance from the Sun. The temperature ranges from -195°C and 70°C and has an average temperature of 60°C. Mar's atmosphere is rich in carbon-dioxide-rich and is approximately 100 times less dense than Earth. However, it is still thick enough to support weather, clouds and winds. Mars experiences dust storms that are the largest in our Solar System. They are capable of blanketing the entire planet for months.
Structure
Moons of Mars
Mars has two moons, both of which where named after the sons of the mythological Roman God of War. Phobos and Deimos were discovered by American astronomer Asaph Hall. Hall was ready to give up on his search for a moon of Mars, but encouragement from his wife Angelina urged him on. Within the course of a week he discovered the two moos.
Scientist believe both Phobos and Deimos are made of carbon-rich rock that is mixed with ice. Compared to Earth's moon, these two moons are tiny. They are covered with craters from meteor impacts. However, scientist are uncertain as to how Phobos and Deimos were born. A possible theory is they were asteroids captured by Mars' gravitational pull.
Possibility of Life
For many years, scientist have wondered about the possibility of life on planet Mars. It is believed life could have once existed on Mars and researchers have speculated that life might still exist even today. There is a possibility that Mars had oceans on its surface in the past which could have provided a suitable environment for life to develop.
Exploration