Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. It is only about half as big as Earth and has only about one-quarter of our planet's surface area. But because Mars doesn't have any oceans or seas, the total area of the martian surface is about equal to that of Earth's dry land.
Mars is named after the Roman God of War, probably because of its red color which suggests blood and battle. It's also commonly known as the Red Planet. Its ruddy color is due to large amounts of red iron oxides (rust), including minerals such as hematite, in the surface rocks and soil.
Mars has two tiny satellites, Phobos and Deimos, both believed to be captured asteroids.
Mars, also known as the Red Planet is the most explored planet in the Solar System. Since the beginning of the use of the telescope in the early 1600s, people have been captivated by this planet. Through the telescope, ancient astronomers had a glimpse of what appeared to be season changes and water canals on Mars. These glimpses led people to believe that there was life on Mars, perhaps even very advanced intelligent life, more intelligent than us, earthlings.
Many of us are already familiar with the Martian landscape. We have all seen the images of its rocky surface but kids, did you know that Mars also has immense dust storms and tornadoes much larger than any on earth? Mars is also a really cold place.
With dust storms, tornadoes and freezing temperatures, Mars does not seem to be a nice place to live in or even visit. You couldn't be further from the truth. This planet has one of the most beautiful and amazing geology.
Mars is home to the largest mountains in the Solar System. If you have ever been to the Grand Canyon , you would surely be awed by its brown, yellow, red and white cliffs. The Grand Canyon is a mini-version of the canyon in Mars.
Amazing formations such as the Grand Canyon were formed by the forces of wind and water. It is very likely that the canyon in Mars was also formed by these forces. Since there is the existence of water which supports life, does this mean that life exists on Mars?
In our next blog we shall learn about "Life On Mars."
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