MARS

uncovered


Mars picture

Mars - view of the Valles Marineris

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, right next to Earth. Beyond this planet is the asteroid belt and the other planets in our solar system, the gas giants.
It shares many similarities with Earth, which has led humans to direct a large number of space missions to this planet. It is designated as a telluric planet (also known as rocky). Its characteristic reddish appearance is due to the presence of iron oxide on its surface.
Mars features the largest volcanoes in the solar system, such as:

  1. Olympus Mons - height: 22,5Km
  2. Arsia Mons - height: 20Km
  3. Ascraeus Mons - height: 18Km
  4. Pavonis Mons - height: 14Km

Mars also has large cracks on its surface, the most impressive example being the Valles Marineris, a huge set of throats.
Although there is no liquid water on the surface, the evidence points to the fact that in the past this planet had rivers and seas; currently it is only possible to find frozen water in its polar ice caps.
A year on Mars is equal to 687 days. This planet has two moons that orbit it: Phobos and Deimos.