A comparison in size between Earth and Mars.
How did Mars get its name? This unique colour reminded ancient Romans of fire and blood and therefore named the planet Mars, after the god of war. Mars is the 4th planet from the Sun, between Earth and Jupiter, and is one of Earth's closest neghbours. Mars, Mercury, Venus and Earth are the 4 terrestrial (Earth-like) planets that are made up of rocky layers surrounding a metal iron core. Like Earth, Mars has an atmosphere which holds ice caps on both the north and south poles. Mars also has volcanoes, deep valleys and dried out river beds. No wonder many people believe there is life on Mars! Unfortunately, all the information and pictures taken of the Red Planet disappoints us- conditions on the surface are too harsh for life to survive. Along with hash conditions, there is no liquid water, extremely cold temperatures and not enough gases to sustain life.
A picture ofour solar system, Mars is the 4th planet from the Sun.
There is a speculation that a long time ago, Mars was much warmer and had a thicker atmosphere to allow the flow of running water. Astronomers are still searching for proof that life once existed on Mars. Don't get too sad though, with such advanced technology we now have, anything is possible.
