25 Awesome Facts About Mars

Posted by , Updated on March 22, 2024

Mars is a one-of-a-kind planet in the solar system, bearing the closest resemblance to Earth. As long as humans have looked up to the skies, Mars has been a subject of fascination and discussion. The question of whether there is life on Mars has been debated for hundreds of years, and this argument is still going strong today. Recent discoveries even suggest that Mars could support various life forms. In addition, several crewed Mars missions are under consideration, and there’s ongoing discussions about the feasibility of terraforming the planet. This would involve triggering a kind of global warming to generate a life-sustaining atmosphere. Yet, the potential for life isn’t the only thing Mars is famous for. It’s also home to the tallest mountain in the solar system, Olympus Mons, which is actually a volcano. Several times taller than Mount Everest, it spans an area equal to that of France. Furthermore, Mars is the only other planet in our solar system with polar ice caps. If you’re not intrigued yet, keep reading for more intriguing facts about our neighboring planet in the galaxy! Here are 25 outstanding facts about Mars!

Featured Image: wikipedia

25

The highest mountain in the solar system, Olympus Mons, is on Mars. It is three times the height of Everest and would cover most of France.

The highest mountain in the solar system, Olympus Mons, is on Mars.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
24

Mars is one of five planets you can see with your naked eye (Mars, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and Jupiter).

Mars is one of 5 planets you can see with your naked eye (Mars, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and Jupiter)Source: earthsky.org, Image: wikipedia
23

The Indian mission to mars was actually cheaper than the filming of the movie Gravity.

The Indian mission to mars was actually cheaper than the filming of the movie GravitySource: nytimes, Image: wikipedia
22

The average surface temperature is -63 degrees Celsius (-81 degrees Fahrenheit).

The average surface temperature is -63 degrees celsius (-81 degrees fahrenheit)Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay
21

In 1997 three men from Yemen sued NASA for invading Mars. They claimed that they had inherited it from their ancestors thousands of years ago.

In 1997 three men from Yemen sued NASA for invading Mars. They claimed that they had inherited it from their ancestors thousands of years agoSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
20

Scientists want to induce global warming on Mars to make it habitable for life. This process is known as terraforming.

Scientists want to induce global warming on Mars to make it habitable for life. This process is known as terraforming.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
19

A NASA engineer actually designed a flag for Mars.

A NASA engineer actually designed a flag for MarsSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
18

More than 100,000 people have applied for a one-way trip to colonize the red planet in 2022 (Mars One).

More than 100,000 people have applied for a one-way trip to colonize the red planet in 2022 (Mars One)Source: cnn, Image: wikipedia
17

One year on Mars consists of 687 Earth days.

One year on Mars consists of 687 Earth daysSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
16

Currently, Mars' population is seven robots.

Currently, Mars's population is seven robotsSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
15

On its 1 year anniversary the Curiosity Rover sang Happy Birthday to itself on Mars.

On its 1 year anniversary the Curiosity Rover sang Happy Birthday to itself on MarsSource: washingtonpost, Image: wikipedia
14

You weigh 60% less on Mars than you do on Earth.

You weigh 60% less on Mars than you do on EarthSource: nasa, Image: winnifredxoxo via Flickr
13

Martian soil is perfect for growing asparagus and turnips, but probably not strawberries.

Martian soil is perfect for growing asparagus and turnips, but probably not strawberries.Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay
12

Speaking of Martian soil, NASA found the soil to be surprisingly similar to the soil you have in your backyard. It has all the nutrients necessary to support life.

NASA found the soil to be surprisingly similar to the soil you have in your backyard. It has all the nutrients necessary to support life.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
11

Roughly 4 billion years ago Mars had an oxygen rich atmosphere.

Roughly 4 billion years ago Mars had an oxygen rich atmosphereSource: sci-news.com, Image: pixabay
10

Sunsets are blue on Mars.

Sunsets are blue on MarsSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
9

The reason Mars is red is because it is covered in rust (iron oxide).

The reason Mars is red is because it is covered in rust (iron oxide)Source: space.com, Image: wikipedia
8

Mars is approximately half the size of the Earth.

Mars is approximately half the size of the EarthSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
7

Out of more than 40 attempted missions to Mars, only 18 have been successful.

Out of more than 40 attempted missions to Mars, only 18 have been successfulSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
6

Mars has the biggest dust storms in the solar system. They can last for months and cover the entire planet.

Mars has the biggest dust storms in the solar system. They can last for months and cover the entire planetSource: nasa, Image: wikipedia
5

Although Mars is only half the Earth's size, it has about the same amount of land. This is because Earth's surface is mostly covered with water.

Although Mars is only half the Earth's size, it has about the same amount of land. This is because Earth's surface is mostly covered with water.Source: nasa, Image: pexels
4

Scientists have found pieces of Mars on Earth which let them study the red planet before space missions began.

Scientists have found pieces of Mars on Earth which let them study the red planet before space missions beganSource: nasa, Image: wikipedia
3

The pieces came from meteorites that struck Mars, ejected them into orbit around the sun, and then after millions of years they crashed into the Earth.

The pieces came from meteorites that struck Mars, ejected pieces into orbit around the sun, and then after millions of years they crashed into the EarthSource: nasa, Image: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center via Flickr
2

The name Mars comes from the Roman god of war.

The name Mars comes from the Roman god of warSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
1

Besides Earth, Mars is the only other planet with polar ice caps. It is also the most hospitable for life.

Besides Earth, Mars is the only other planet with polar ice caps. It is also the most hospitable for life.Source: nasa, Image: wikipedia