Since ancient times, mankind began to study the secrets of the universe. In the ancient period, the first calculations appeared, which, with one error or another, determined the distances from the Earth to nearby objects of the Solar System. Also at this time the first map of the starry sky appeared. Among all the planets and stars that our ancestors studied, Mars was far from the last place. He was visible with the naked eye in the sky. Over the years, people have studied this planet down to the molecular composition of the soil and atmosphere. Therefore, now we present to you interesting facts about Mars, based on the works of all mankind.
Mysterious name
Both today and in ancient times, the Red Planet stood out strongly against the background of more distant stars and galaxies, which we see as luminous points. Of particular note was her color. For the first time this was noticed by the ancient Egyptians, who constantly conducted observations of the starry sky. They called this space object simply - “her desher”, which means “red”. In parallel, the planet was observed in ancient China. Then she was considered a star, and also called red. It received its official name in ancient Rome in honor of the god of war Mars. Of course, this decision was influenced by color - bloody, as the Romans said.
Why is Mars red?
Interesting facts about Mars began to appear in ancient times, since the planet was discovered. All the peoples who studied it were looking for the answer to one question: why does the planet seem red? Does it really have such a shade or is it some kind of spectral illusion? Now we can answer with full confidence that Mars really has a red surface. This color is formed due to regolith deposits, which are rich in iron and various minerals. All this is mixed with stones, which are also tinted in brown. As a result, the entire planet is covered in red soil.
Life on Mars: fiction or reality?
After many satellites were sent from Earth, astronomers were able to establish new facts about Mars that relate to its atmosphere. After all, it is known that it is thanks to the air shell that any planet can become suitable for the development of life or, conversely, remain deserted. So, as for Mars, the atmosphere here is very thin and very cold. It passes through itself solar radiation and cosmic dust, does not interfere with the electrical radiation that comes from Jupiter and Saturn. Such conditions completely exclude the presence on the planet of water or even ice, therefore, of life itself. Today we can say for sure that Mars is a desert that extends to the entire planet.
Relief with a planetary scale
No less interesting facts about Mars can be found by studying the relief of this planet. Although deserted, it has its mountains, plains, plateaus, and depressions. So, the hills here are the highest in the solar system, and the troughs are the deepest and longest. The highest point on the planet is Mount Olympus (27 kilometers). It is three times superior to our Everest. The deepest point is the Mariner Valley. Its depth goes 10 kilometers down, and the length is 4000 km, which is comparable with the mainland Australia.
Volcanic scales
In addition to the highest mountain Olympus, which acquired its parameters due to long-term eruptions of lava, there is also a volcano on Mars, the diameter of which is the largest in the solar system. The vent of this "breathing" mountain stretches up and down for 600 kilometers, which is comparable to the state of New Mexico on Earth. When you consider such facts about Mars and compare the scale of this planet with the Earth, it seems that our closest planetary neighbor consists of a relief of incredible proportions. At the same time, all the beauty of Mars is only land and not a drop of water.
Dust ice
We have already said that the atmosphere of the Red Planet does not contribute to the emergence of life, or even water, on the surface or in the bowels of the soil. However, at the poles of Mars, scientists have long noticed the so-called ice caps, which do not melt, but only slightly change their shape. After this ice was delivered to Earth, a thorough analysis was carried out. Due to the fact that the temperature in the polar regions is incredibly low (below we will consider such interesting facts about Mars as its weather conditions, and everything will become clear), this ice is not even amenable to aggressive sunlight, which mercilessly penetrates its thin atmosphere. It itself consists of carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide. It falls into the category of dry ice and evaporates into the atmosphere in very small proportions.
Mars Weather Conditions
We already learned a lot about the fourth planet of the solar system, but the most interesting facts about Mars lie in its weather conditions. Here, earthlings, the word "desert" is associated with heat, winds and a terrible scorching sun. If the desert is icy, then there are eternal snows. But Mars is a unique combination of inconceivably low temperature and complete absence of precipitation. The air temperature at the equator drops to –60 Celsius, at the poles it is as much as –130, sometimes even lower. Now let's recall what atmosphere this planet has: it is very subtle. Therefore, clouds, winds and any cyclones do not form here. Along and across the Red Planet there is one landscape everywhere, only the air temperature changes.
A brief overview of the basic data about the planet
We have now examined the most important and interesting facts about Mars. Briefly, we present the rest of the material that relates to the Red Planet:
- The day on Mars is equal to Earth - 24 hours, but the year lasts 687 days.
- Mars falls into the category of terrestrial planets. This means that it has a solid surface and its unique relief.
- The atmosphere of Mars is thin and consists of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon.
- Mars has no rings.
- But he has two satellites - Deimos and Phobos.
- There is no ozone layer in the atmosphere of the Red Planet. Therefore, the sunrise here is accompanied not by joy and smiles, as on Earth, but by a lethal dose of radiation.
- More than 80 spacecraft were launched to Mars, and only a third of them completed their mission. It is believed that there is a "Bermuda Triangle" that absorbs our technology.