Mars and Moons - Astronomy Matters

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Mars and Moons . . .

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun. The planet is one of Earth's "next-door neighbors" in space. Scientists have observed Mars through telescopes based on Earth and in space. Space probes have carried telescopes and other instruments to Mars. Early probes were designed to observe the planet as they flew past it. Later, spacecraft orbited Mars and even landed there. But no human being has ever set foot on Mars.

Scientists have found strong evidence that water once flowed on the surface of Mars. The evidence includes channels, valleys, and gullies on the planet's surface. If this interpretation of the evidence is correct, water may still lie in cracks and pores in subsurface rock. A space probe has also discovered vast amounts of ice beneath the surface, most of it near the south pole.

The Martian surface has many spectacular features, including a canyon system that is much deeper and much longer than the Grand Canyon in the United States. Mars also has mountains that are much higher than Mount Everest, Earth's highest peak.

Mars is much colder than Earth. Temperatures at the Martian surface vary from as low as about -195 °F (-125 °C) near the poles during the winter to as much as 70 °F (20 °C) at midday near the equator. The average temperature on Mars is about -80 °F (-60 °C).

Mars was the god of war in Roman mythology. The ancient Romans gave Mars special importance because they considered him the father of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.

Originally, Mars was a god of farmland and fertility. The month of March, the beginning of the Roman growing season, was named for him. Since ancient times, the area enclosed by a bend in the Tiber River in Rome has been called the Field of Mars. The early Romans dedicated this section of land to Mars because of its fertility.

Mars became the god of war after the Romans came into contact with Greek culture. They gave him many characteristics of the Greek god of war, Ares. In time, the Romans associated Mars principally with war. Before going into battle, Roman troops offered sacrifices to him. After winning a battle, they gave Mars a share of their spoils. The word martial, which means warlike, is based on the god's name. The planet Mars is named for him.