Mars is one of the many planets in our solar system, and here are ten facts about it!
- One day on Mars is equal to 24.6 Earth hours.
- One year on Mars is equal to 687 Earth days.
- Mars has north and south ice caps made from water and carbon dioxide.
- Mars has 2 moons.
- Mars is 288 million kilometers away from the sun.
Mars
Photo courtesy of NASA – NSSDC (Broken Link)
- Mars is the planet in the solar system that is most Earth-like. Mars has volcanoes, valleys and dried-up river beds.
- Mars is named after the Roman god of war.
- The soil on Mars contains magnesium, sodium, potassium and chlorine.
- Mars is the home to the mountain, Olympus Mons, which is the largest mountain in the solar system.
- Mars’ atmosphere contains 95% carbon dioxide, 3% nitrogen, 1.6% argon and contains very small amounts of water and oxygen.
Bibliography:
Hawksett, D 2006, Stars and Planets, Hinkler books, Victoria
Mars 6 October 2012 , Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars>
