Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, has long been one of the primary targets of space exploration. With an average radius of about 3,390 kilometers—roughly half the size of Earth—Mars is known for its distinctive reddish-orange surface, caused by iron oxide.
The planet boasts striking geological features, including Valles Marineris, the largest canyon in the solar system, and Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano known. Its thin atmosphere, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, results in an average surface temperature of around −63°C.
Evidence of a Watery Past
Geological studies suggest that Mars once had liquid water covering up to 20% of its surface, raising the possibility that microbial life may have existed there in the past. Today, most of its water remains locked as subsurface ice.
This history of water and the planet’s potential for habitability make Mars a symbol of hope in the search for extraterrestrial life—and a crucial stepping stone toward future human settlement beyond Earth.
Source: Discover Wild Science
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