Mars Planet
मंगळ ग्रह

Mars | Exploration

Mars, often referred to as the “Red Planet,” is the fourth planet from the Sun in our solar 

system. It is a terrestrial planet, sharing similarities with Earth such as a rocky surface, 

polar ice caps, and a diverse range of geological features. this Planet has captivated 

human curiosity for centuries, with its reddish hue visible to the naked eye in the night 

sky.

* Discovery

Ancient Observations

1:- Prehistoric Times: Mars was visible to the naked eye, making it one of the five 

      planets visible from Earth without the aid of telescopes.

2:- Babylonian Astronomy: The Babylonians, around 3,000 years ago, were among the 

      first to record observations of Mars’ movements.

3:- Ancient Egyptians: The ancient Egyptians associated Mars with the god of war, 

     “Horus the Red.”

4:- Greek and Roman Mythology: In Greek and Roman mythology, This Planet was      

      associated with Ares and Mars, respectively, both gods of war due to its reddish 

      appearance.

Discovery of Mars’ Features

1:- Christiaan Huygens: In 1659, Huygens observed This PLanet’s polar ice caps and 

      correctly speculated that they were composed of water and carbon dioxide.

2:-Giovanni Cassini: In the late 17th century, Cassini observed This Planet’s rotation 

     period by tracking the movement of surface features.

19th Century Observations

1:- William Herschel: In the late 18th century, Herschel observed the planet’s polar ice 

      caps, equatorial dark markings, and seasonal changes.

2:- Percival Lowell: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lowell made detailed 

      observations of Mars and famously believed he saw artificial canals, leading to 

      speculation about intelligent life on This Planet.

3:- Mars Oppositions: Astronomers used This Planet’s oppositions (when This Planet 

      is closest to Earth) to study its features more closely.

Space Age Discoveries

1:- Space Probes: In the mid-20th century, space probes provided close-up views of This 

      Planet.

2:- Mariner Missions: NASA’s Mariner missions in the 1960s and 1970s provided the 

      first close-up images of the Martian surface.

3:- Viking Missions: In 1976, NASA’s Viking 1 and 2 landers became the first spacecraft 

      to successfully land on Mars, conducting experiments to search for signs of life.

4:- Mars Rovers: Beginning with the Pathfinder mission in 1997 and followed by Spirit, 

      Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance, NASA has sent rovers to explore the 

      Martian surface, providing valuable data about its geology and potential for past 

      habitability.

Current Understanding

1:- Recent Discoveries: Recent discoveries include evidence of ancient river valleys, lake 

      beds, and the presence of minerals that form in the presence of water, suggesting 

      this planet was once a wetter planet.

2:- Potential for Life: Mars’ history of water and the discovery of organic 

      molecules have sparked interest in the possibility of past microbial life on the planet.

3:- Future Exploration: Plans for future this planet exploration include sample return    

      missions, sending humans to this planet, and establishing potential colonies on the 

      Red Planet.

The discovery of Mars has evolved from ancient observations and mythology to 

detailed scientific exploration. It continues to be a focal point for astronomers, planetary 

scientists, and space agencies as we seek to unlock the mysteries of our neighboring 

planet.

* Dimensions

Diameter

1:- Equatorial Diameter: Approximately 6,779 kilometers (4,212 miles)

2:- Polar Diameter: Approximately 6,752 kilometers (4,200 miles)

3:- Mean Diameter: The average diameter of This planet is about 6,779 kilometers 

      (4,212 miles)

Circumference

1:- Equatorial Circumference: Around 21,296 kilometers (13,258 miles)

2:- Polar Circumference: Around 21,229 kilometers (13,193 miles)

3:- Mean Circumference: The average circumference of this planet is approximately 

      21,229 kilometers (13,193 miles)

Surface Area

1:- Total Surface Area: Approximately 144.8 million square kilometers (55.9 million 

      square miles)

2:- Land Area: Mars has about 144.8 million square kilometers (55.9 million 

      square miles) of land area, since it doesn’t have oceans like Earth.

Volume

Total Volume: This Planet’s volume is approximately 1.63 x 10^11 cubic kilometers     

(3.9 x 10^10 cubic miles)

Additional Measurements

1:- Gravity: Mars has about 38% of the gravity compared to Earth, meaning objects 

      weigh less on this planet than they do on Earth.

2:- Escape Velocity: The escape velocity on this planet is about 5.03 kilometers per 

      second (3.13 miles per second). This is the speed an object needs to achieve to 

      break free from this planet’s gravitational pull.

Comparison to Earth

This Planet is roughly half the size of Earth in diameter.

Earth’s equatorial diameter is about 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles), making it 

significantly larger than Mars.

Earth’s circumference at the equator is around 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles), making 

it approximately twice the circumference of Mars.

Understanding this planet’s dimensions helps scientists and astronomers compare it to 

Earth and other planets, providing valuable insights into its geological and physical 

characteristics.

* Key Fact

1:- Distance from the Sun: This Planet orbits the Sun at an average distance of about    

      227.9 million kilometers (141.6 million miles).

2:- Orbital Period: It takes this planet approximately 687 Earth days (1.88 Earth years) 

      to complete one orbit around the Sun.

3:- Day Length: A day on this planet, known as a “sol,” is approximately 24.6 hours.

4:- Size: This Planet has a diameter of about 6,779 kilometers (4,212 miles), roughly half 

      the size of Earth.

5:- Gravity: Gravity on Mars is about 38% of Earth’s, which means a person 

      weighing 100 kilograms on Earth would weigh about 38 kilograms on Mars.

Appearance

The distinct red color of This Planet is due to iron oxide (rust) on its surface, giving it a 

reddish-brown hue. This iron oxide dust covers much of the planet’s rocky terrain, 

creating a striking contrast with the darker regions.

Surface Features

1:- Volcanoes: Mars hosts some of the largest volcanoes in the solar system, such as 

      Olympus Mons, which is about 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) high.

2:- Canyons: Valles Marineris is a vast canyon system on This Planet, stretching about 

      2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) long and up to 7 miles (11 kilometers) deep.

3:- Impact Craters: Like the Moon and Earth, This Planet is covered with impact craters,  

      some of which are well-preserved due to the planet’s relatively quiet geological 

      activity.

Atmosphere

Mars has a thin atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide (95.3%), with traces of 

nitrogen (2.7%) and argon (1.6%). Due to its thin atmosphere, the surface of Mars

experiences significant temperature variations, ranging from as low as -195 degrees 

Fahrenheit (-125 degrees Celsius) at the poles to highs of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 

degrees Celsius) in equatorial regions during summer.

                    

Moons

Mars has two small moons named Phobos and Deimos. These moons are 

irregularly shaped and are likely captured asteroids. Phobos is the larger of the two, with 

an average diameter of about 22.4 kilometers (13.9 miles), while Deimos is smaller, with 

an average diameter of about 12.4 kilometers (7.7 miles).

 * Composition Of Mars

Surface Composition

1:- Iron Oxide (Rust): Mars’ most prominent feature is its reddish color, which 

      comes from iron oxide (Fe2O3) covering much of its surface.

2:- Basaltic Rock: Mars’ surface is predominantly made up of basalt, a type of 

      volcanic rock that forms from cooled lava flows.

3:- Silicates: Silicate minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene, are common on this planet 

      and make up a significant portion of its crust.

4:- Sulfur: This Planet’s surface also contains sulfur compounds, contributing to its 

      geological features.

Atmospheric Composition

This Planet’s atmosphere is much thinner than Earth’s, but it does have distinct 

components

1:- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The Martian atmosphere is about 95.3% carbon dioxide, which 

      contributes to its greenhouse effect.

2:- Nitrogen (N2): Nitrogen makes up about 2.7% of the atmosphere.

3:- Argon (Ar): Argon is present in Mars atmosphere at about 1.6%.

4:-Trace Gases: There are also trace amounts of water vapor, oxygen, methane, and 

     other gases.

Polar Ice Caps

1:- Water Ice: The Mars has polar ice caps composed mainly of water ice, with 

      some frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice).

2:- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): During Martian winters, the polar caps grow as carbon dioxide 

      freezes out of the atmosphere.

Mineralogical Composition

1:- Clays: This planet has clay minerals in its crust, indicating past water interaction.

2:- Sulfates: Sulfate minerals like gypsum have been identified on this planet, 

      suggesting past aqueous environments.

3:- Hematite: The presence of hematite, an iron oxide mineral, has been detected on this 

      planet, indicating water-related processes.

Atmospheric Dust

1:- Dust Particles: Mars’ thin atmosphere contains fine dust particles, which 

      contribute to the planet’s reddish hue.

2:- Dust Storms: These dust particles can be stirred up into massive dust storms that 

      cover large areas of the planet.

Importance of Composition

Understanding the composition of this planet is crucial for various reasons

1:- Planetary Evolution: It helps scientists understand the planet’s geological history and 

      evolution.

2:- Habitability: This Planet’s composition provides clues about its potential habitability 

      in the past and present.

3:- Exploration: Knowing the composition aids in planning missions, such as selecting 

      landing sites and analyzing samples.

* Structure Of Mars

Crust

1:- Thickness: The crust of this planet is estimated to be about 50 kilometers (31 miles) 

      thick on average.

2:- Composition: This Planet’s crust is primarily composed of basaltic rock, similar to 

      Earth’s oceanic crust.

3:- Surface Features: The crust is marked by various surface features, including impact 

      craters, volcanoes, and valleys.

Mantle

1:- Depth: The mantle of this planet extends from the crust to the core and is about 

      1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles) thick.

2:- Composition: The mantle is composed of silicate minerals, likely rich in iron and 

      magnesium.

3:-Heat Flow: This Planet’s mantle is not as active as Earth’s, with lower heat flow and    

     less tectonic activity.

Core

1:- Size: This Planet likely has a core with a radius of about 1,800 kilometers (1,118 

      miles).

2:- Composition: The core is believed to be primarily composed of iron and nickel.

3:- State: This Planet’s core is thought to have a solid inner core and a liquid outer core, 

      similar to Earth’s core.

Surface Features

1:- Volcanoes: This Planet has the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, 

      which stands about 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) high.

2:- Valles Marineris: This is a system of canyons on This Planet, stretching about 4,000 

      kilometers (2,500 miles) long and up to 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) deep.

3:- Impact Craters: This Planet is covered with impact craters, some of which are well-

      preserved due to its relatively inactive geological processes.

4:- Polar Ice Caps: This Planet has polar ice caps composed mainly of water ice, with 

      some frozen carbon dioxide.

Atmosphere

1:- Thickness: This Planet’s atmosphere is much thinner than Earth’s, with an average 

      pressure about 0.6% of Earth’s at sea level.

2:- Composition: This Planet’s atmosphere is primarily carbon dioxide (95.3%), with 

      nitrogen (2.7%), argon (1.6%), and trace amounts of other gases.

3:- Weather: This Planet experiences dust storms and variations in temperature due to 

      its thin atmosphere.

Importance of Mars’ Structure

Understanding the structure of This Planet is crucial for several reasons

1:- Geological History: This Planet’s structure provides insights into its geological 

      history, including past volcanic activity and tectonic processes.

2:- Potential for Life: Knowledge of This Planet’s structure helps scientists assess the 

      planet’s potential for supporting past or present life.

3:- Future Exploration: Understanding the internal structure aids in planning missions, 

      such as selecting landing sites and conducting seismic studies.

4:- Comparative Planetology: Comparing this planet’s structure to Earth’s helps 

      scientists understand the diversity of terrestrial planets in our solar system.

* What Would Happen if a Human Were to Enter Mars

If a human were to enter this planet without a spacesuit or proper protection, several 

things would happen due to This Planet’s harsh environment and lack of a breathable 

atmosphere. Here’s what would likely occur

Immediate Effects

1:- Lack of Atmosphere: This Planet has a very thin atmosphere, about 100 times less 

     dense than Earth’s. This means there would be essentially no air to breathe.

2:- Exposure to Vacuum: Without a spacesuit, the body would be exposed to the vacuum 

      of space once outside a spacecraft.

3:- Rapid Decompression: The body’s fluids (such as saliva, tears, and the water in the 

      body) would start to boil due to the low pressure, causing rapid decompression.

4:- Extreme Cold: This Planet’s average surface temperature is around -80 degrees 

      Fahrenheit (-62 degrees Celsius). The unprotected human body would quickly freeze.

Effects Within Seconds to Minutes

1:- Unconsciousness: Within about 15 seconds, the lack of oxygen would lead to loss of 

      consciousness.

2:- Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen would lead to hypoxia, which can cause brain damage and 

      death.

3:- Swelling and Bruising: The body would begin to swell slightly due to the lack of 

      external pressure.

4:- Tissue Damage: Exposed skin and eyes would freeze quickly due to the extreme cold.

Effects Within Minutes to Hours

1:- Death: Without immediate assistance, death would occur within a few minutes to 

      hours, mainly due to lack of oxygen and extreme cold.

2:- Freezing: The body would continue to freeze as temperatures drop further, causing 

      irreversible tissue damage.

3:- Lack of Oxygen: Cells in the body would begin to die from lack of oxygen, leading to 

      organ failure.

Long-Term Effects (If Somehow Rescued)

1:- Extreme Cold Injuries: If somehow rescued, the person would likely suffer from   

      severe frostbite and tissue damage.

2:- Brain Damage: Prolonged exposure to low oxygen levels can lead to brain damage.

3:- Internal Organ Damage: The lack of pressure and oxygen would have profound 

      effects on internal organs.

* Unique Characteristics

Reddish Color

1:- Iron Oxide: This Planet gets its distinctive red color from iron oxide (rust) covering 

      much of its surface.

2:- Surface: The red dust and rocks on This Planet give it a reddish-brown appearance, 

      visible from Earth.

Olympus Mons

1:- Largest Volcano: Olympus Mons is the largest volcano in the solar system, about 22 

      kilometers (13.6 miles) high and 600 kilometers (370 miles) in diameter.

2:- Shield Volcano: It is a shield volcano, formed by repeated eruptions of lava flows.

Valles Marineris

1:- Giant Canyon System: Valles Marineris is one of the largest canyons in the solar  

      system, stretching about 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) long, 200 kilometers (120 

      miles) wide, and up to 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) deep.

2:- Tectonic Activity: It is believed to have formed due to tectonic activity and possibly 

      volcanic processes.

Polar Ice Caps

1:- Water and CO2 Ice: This Planet has polar ice caps composed of water ice with layers 

      of frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice).

2:- Seasonal Changes: During Martian winters, the polar ice caps grow as carbon dioxide 

      freezes out of the atmosphere.

Phobos and Deimos

1:- Two Moons: This Planet has two small moons named Phobos and Deimos, which are 

      irregularly shaped.

2:- Captured Asteroids: These moons are likely captured asteroids, orbiting relatively    

      close to This Planet.

Thin Atmosphere

1:- Composition: This Planet’s atmosphere is thin, primarily composed of carbon dioxide 

      (95.3%), with nitrogen (2.7%) and argon (1.6%).

2:- Pressure: The atmospheric pressure on This Planet is about 0.6% of Earth’s at sea 

      level.

3:- Dust Storms: The thin atmosphere allows for massive dust storms that can cover the 

      entire planet for weeks.

Past Water

1:- Evidence of Rivers and Lakes: This Planet shows extensive evidence of ancient river 

      valleys, lake beds, and deltas.

2:- Minerals: Clay minerals and sulfates suggest past interactions with water, indicating 

      a wetter, warmer this planet in the past.

3:- Gullies: Recent observations have revealed gullies and features indicating recent 

      water activity.

Seasonal Changes

1:- Polar Frost: Seasonal frost appears at This Planet’s poles, expanding and retreating 

      with the changing seasons.

2:- Dust Storms: Seasonal dust storms occur, affecting visibility and temperature on the 

      planet.

Cold and Dry Environment

1:- Average Temperature: This Planet’s average surface temperature is about -80 

      degrees Fahrenheit (-62 degrees Celsius).

2:- Low Humidity: This Planet has very low humidity, making it an extremely dry 

      environment.

Potential for Life

1:- Past Habitability: This Planet’s history of water and the discovery of organic 

      molecules have sparked interest in the possibility of past microbial life.

2:- Subsurface Conditions: Some scientists theorize that life could exist below the 

      surface where conditions might be more hospitable.

* Modern Discoveries and Exploration

Modern discoveries and exploration of This planet have been driven by various robotic 

missions sent by space agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and 

others. These missions have provided unprecedented insights into the Red Planet’s 

geology, atmosphere, potential for past habitability, and the possibility of human 

exploration in the future. Here are some notable modern discoveries and exploration 

efforts

Mars Rovers

1:- Spirit and Opportunity (NASA, 2004): These rovers landed in different locations on 

      red planet and provided evidence of past water activity and the potential habitability 

      of ancient environments.

2:- Curiosity (NASA, 2012): The Curiosity rover has been exploring This Planet’s Gale 

      Crater since 2012, discovering evidence of an ancient lake bed and organic 

      molecules, further supporting the idea of a habitable environment in the past.

3:- Perseverance (NASA, 2021): Launched in 2020 and landed in 2021, Perseverance’s 

      primary mission is to search for signs of past microbial life, collect rock samples for 

      possible return to Earth, and pave the way for human exploration.

Insight Lander (NASA, 2018)

This stationary lander is studying the deep interior of This Planet, including seismic 

activity and heat flow, providing insights into the planet’s geological activity and 

structure.

Maven (NASA, 2014)

This Planet’s Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) orbiter studies the Martian 

upper atmosphere, helping scientists understand how Mars lost its early atmosphere 

and water over time.

ExoMars (ESA and Roscosmos)

1:- Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO): This orbiter, launched in 2016, is studying the Martian 

      atmosphere and searching for traces of methane, a potential indicator of biological 

      activity or geological processes.

2:- Rosalind Franklin Rover: Planned for launch in the near future, this rover will search 

      for signs of past life, study the planet’s surface and subsurface, and collect samples.

Recent Discoveries

1:- Liquid Water Beneath the Surface: Radar data from Mars Express and ground-

      penetrating instruments on Mars rovers have revealed evidence of liquid water 

      beneath the surface, possibly in the form of subsurface lakes.

2:- Organic Molecules: Various missions, including Curiosity, have detected organic 

      molecules on Mars, which are the building blocks of life.

3:- Methane Bursts: Seasonal variations in methane levels have been observed, leading 

      to speculation about potential geological or biological sources.

4:- Gullies and Seasonal Flows: Observations of gullies and recurring slope lineae 

      suggest the possibility of recent water activity on Mars.

Future Exploration

1:- Sample Return Missions: NASA and ESA plan to launch missions to collect samples 

      of Martian rock and soil, possibly as early as the 2020s, with the goal of returning 

      them to Earth for detailed analysis.

2:- Human Exploration: There are plans by various space agencies and private 

      companies, like SpaceX, to send humans to Mars in the coming decades, with the 

      goal of establishing a sustained human presence.