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:
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.
Got curious? Know more about Mars at NASA's Mars Exploration Programme