By Sakshi Sah
Published Nov 10, 2024

Hindustan Times
Trending

Photo Credit: NASA

6 secrets of the red planet revealed in stunning NASA photos

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is often referred to as the Red Planet due to its reddish appearance, caused by iron oxide (rust) on its surface.

A day on Mars, known as a sol, is slightly longer than a day on Earth. One sol lasts 24 hours and 39 minutes.

Mars atmosphere is about 100 times thinner than Earth's and is mostly composed of carbon dioxide, with very little oxygen.

Olympus Mons on Mars is the tallest volcano in the solar system, standing at about 13.6 miles (22 km) high, nearly three times the height of Mount Everest.

NASA’s rovers and orbiters have discovered evidence of ancient rivers and lakes on Mars, indicating that water once flowed on the planet's surface.

Mars has two small moons, Phobos and Deimos. They are believed to be captured asteroids from the asteroid belt.

Mars experiences extreme temperatures, with the average being -60°C. Temperatures can range from as high as 20°C during the day to -125°C at night.

Mars is home to the largest dust storms in the solar system, sometimes covering the entire planet and lasting for months.

The gravity on Mars is only 38% of Earth's gravity, meaning you would weigh much less on the Red Planet.

NASA has sent several successful rovers to Mars, including Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance, to explore the Martian surface.

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