Planet Profile: Distance from Sun: 141,700,000 miles Diameter: 4,200 miles Average Temperature: -191 F to - 24 F Average Day: 24 hours and 37 minutes Average Year: 22.5 Earth months Number of Moons (satellites): 2

Mars is the 4th closest planet to the sun. It is located between Earth and Jupiter. It was named for the Greek and Roman god of war. The surface of Mars is pinkish, reddish.

In 1997 a space probe called "Pathfinder" was sent to Mars. After landing it moved around taking pictures of the Martian landscape.. There have been other voyages to Mars, but we have yet to land an astronaut there.

Does life exist on Mars? There is evidence of water from millions of years ago. There is very little oxygen on it. Mars also receives sunlight, making it possible for life to have once existed. Many astronomers believe life may have once existed on Mars.

Phobos and Deimos are the only moons of Mars. Phobos has a diameter of 5,800 miles. Deimos has a diameter of 6 miles.

 

FUN FACT

Did you know that a 100 pound object on Earth would weigh 85 pounds on Mars?