The only planet we know of inhabited entirely by robots.
Explore Mars
The only planet we know of inhabited entirely by robots.
Explore Mars
If you dream of going, here's what to expect…
The fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest planet in the Solar System, being larger than only Mercury. Mars carries the name of the Roman god of war and is often referred to as the "Red Planet"The latter refers to the effect of the iron oxide prevalent on Mars's surface, which gives it a reddish appearance distinctive among the astronomical bodies visible to the naked eye. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, with surface features reminiscent of the impact craters of the Moon and the valleys, deserts and polar ice caps of Earth. Travelers of the Future, Beware! Mars is no place for the faint-hearted. Arid, rocky, cold and apparently lifeless, the Red Planet offers few hospitalities. Fans of extreme sports can rejoice, however, for the Red Planet will challenge even the hardiest souls among us. Home to the largest volcano in the solar system, the deepest canyon and crazy weather and temperature patterns, Mars looms as the ultimate lonely planet destination.
24h37mn, Length of the day
A sidereal day on Mars lasts for 24 hours, 37 minutes and 22 seconds, while a solar day on the Red Planet is 24 hours, 39 minutes and 35 seconds. To avoid potential confusion - eg, when planning space missions – astronomers tend to talk about solar days, or Mars sols when it comes to the Red Planet specifically.
2 Moons Phobos & Deimos.The space potatoes
The origin of the two small moons of Mars, called Phobos and Deimos, have been shrouded in mystery since their discovery in 1877. The surface of the moons and their orbits hint at different origins. But new models provide stronger suggestions that Phobos, at least, may be a captured asteroid.
3 times the Mount Everest, The size of the Mount Olympus, the highest mountain of Mars
Mars can boast the largest volcano in the entire Solar System – Olympus Mons. With a height of 21 km, it stands about 2.5 times taller than Mount Everest.
Meet Ingenuity
Strapped to the Mars Perseverance rover's belly for the journey to Mars was a technology demonstration - the Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, which completed 72 historic flights and became the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet.
