Mars has been of interest to humans for centuries. It is known as one of the Earth’s “near” neighbors because you can see it from Earth with the naked eye. Since ancient times, Mars has also been associated with war and destruction. Yet despite its violent appearance, there are many reasons humans should be fascinated by this red planet.
From being home to water on its surface to hosting an atmosphere composed primarily of carbon dioxide, there are still many things about Mars that humans don’t know about. This article will present you with ten facts about this neighboring planet, some common knowledge, and others not so well-known, which may change your view on it entirely!
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Mars Has Two Moons
Most people know that Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos. But what most people don’t know is that these moons are some of the smallest in the solar system. In fact, they are so small that Some scientists view them as “moonlets.” Phobos is the larger of the two moons, measuring at just 27 kilometers wide. While Deimos is 16 kilometers wide.
There Was Once Water on Mars
Scientists have known for some time that there was once water on Mars. But new evidence suggests that there may still be water on the planet’s surface. A study published in 2018 found that a large underground reservoir of water exists on Mars. This reservoir is estimated to contain as much as 25% of the water present on Mars. This discovery makes the planet still a viable option for life.
The Temperature on Mars Varies Dramatically
While the average temperature on Mars is -63 degrees Celsius, the temperature can vary dramatically from place to place on the planet. For example, the temperature at the Martian poles can be as cold as -153 degrees Celsius, while the temperatures near the equator can reach up to 20 degrees Celsius. As a comparison, the temperature on Earth varies from -89 degrees Celsius to +63 degrees Celsius.
Mars Has Magnetic Fields
While Earth has a strong magnetic field that extends out into space, Mars does not. This is because Mars’ core is not as large or molten as Earth’s core. As a result, the magnetic field on Mars is much weaker than the magnetic field on Earth. However, it does have one, which is thought to be caused by the planet’s rotation and can vary in intensity over time.
The Atmosphere on Mars Is Toxic
As you know, Earth’s atmosphere is hospitable for humans and other life forms, however, the atmosphere on Mars is not. The main reason for this is that the atmospheric pressure on Mars is so low. This means that there is very little oxygen present in the atmosphere, and what oxygen is present is not enough to sustain human life. In addition, the atmosphere on Mars is also composed of carbon dioxide, which is toxic to humans.