Fourth planet from the star Sol
Seventh largest planet in the Solar System
Known as the 'Red Planet' for its red, dusty landscape
Temperatures on Mars range from a maximum of 0° C to -100° C
Surface composed of deep canyons, mountains, volcanoes and craters
First visited by the Mariner 4 (1965)
Known as the 'Red Planet'
Named after the Roman god of war

Its moons (Phobos and Deimos) are oddly shaped and many believe they might be captured Asteroids.
The ancient Egyptians thought it traveled backwards.
Though we see it and know it as the 'Red Planet,' it is actually more of a butterscotch color.
Its atmosphere is about 0.75% of the average on Earth.
It's mostly comprised of sand dunes, large canyons and active volcanoes.
Though it might be capable of sustaining life, no life has yet been found on it.
Roughly two-thirds of all spacecraft destined for it have failed to complete their missions.
Because of this, many jokingly refer to a Galactic Ghoul that feasts on Mars probes.
It is always accused by books and movies of plotting to invade Earth.
It is rumored that men originated from here.

It is the planet used in almost every science fiction tale, including the H.G. Wells classic 'The War of the Worlds.'
Movies and television shows that reference Mars: Total Recall, Mars Attacks, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, My Favorite Martian, Marvin the Martian, Star Trek and Cowboy Bebop.
Its solar day is almost the exact same length as Earth's.
It is the home of the Solar System's tallest known mountain (Olympus Mons, three times the height of Mount Everest).
NASA announced that its rover 'Opportunity' had discovered evidence that proves it was a wet planet in its ancient past.
Though life has not been discovered yet, some scientists believe that microorganisms could have once existed on the planet.
It is the sight of the next inevitable manned exploration mission of space, with the European Space Agency planning on a successful visit of Mars by 2030.

Credit: Captain Howdy

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