Mars
⭐ MasteredMars is a cold, dusty desert planet with the tallest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, and a huge canyon. Robots have explored it for years.
Mars has two tiny moons, Phobos and Deimos.
All about Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is often called the Red Planet because of the iron oxide, or rust, in its dusty soil. It has the tallest volcano in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, and a huge canyon called Valles Marineris.
Mars is cold and dry today, but evidence suggests that it once had rivers, lakes and perhaps an ocean. Robots such as Curiosity and Perseverance have explored its surface to look for signs of ancient microbial life.
It is cold and dry, with a thin atmosphere.
Scientists have sent many robots to explore Mars, looking for signs that water and life might once have existed there. Mars has two small moons, called Phobos and Deimos. Future missions may one day send people to Mars.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows Mars spinning in space with its red dust and its volcanoes and canyons in view. Watch how the robot explorers move across the surface to study the rocks.
Real-life uses of Mars
- Searching for signs of past life
- Planning future human missions
- Testing rovers and technology for other planets
Frequently asked questions about Mars
Could humans live on Mars?
Not yet. Mars has thin air, very cold temperatures and high radiation, so future missions will need shelters and life support.
How long does it take to get to Mars?
A journey typically takes around six to nine months, depending on the planets' positions.
How many moons does Mars have?
Two small moons, Phobos and Deimos.