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Mars

Mars 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.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

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.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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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.