Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun. Although Venus is considered as Earth's "sister planet", scientists suggest that Mars once had rivers, lakes, and oceans just like the Earth! The planet no longer has flowing water since its disappearing atmosphere, made up of the gases nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, has caused the water to permanently evaporate over the years. The surface of Mars is covered in red dirt and rocks, giving it the nickname "the red planet". Also since the gravitational forces are different on Mars than they are on Earth, you would weigh about 40 pounds less on Mars. As research has become more advanced, scientists have been able to come up with ways to put a spacecraft into orbit around the planet and have even been able to land a spacecraft on the surface! Scientists have sent probes to Mars with the mission of searching for life on the planet. The probes take little samples of dirt from the surface and perform a series of experiments. By looking at the way the dirt reacts in these experiments, scientists can determine whether or not there is anything alive in the sample. So far, no life has been found on Mars. Although no life has been found on Mars in the past few years, since Mars had bodies of water in the past, it can be suggested that life may have existed on the planet at a point in the past. Further research suggests that life will most likely exist on Mars in the future. Scientists are looking into a process called Terraforming which is when a planet is changes to become more like Earth. Scientists believe that terraforming Mars will allow humans to live on the planet in the future.
 * All About Mars**
 * Exploration**

**Discussion: What do you think?** What do you think about Terraforming? Do you believe that humans will be able to live on Mars in the future, why or why not? Respond with a post!


 * Astrology Mythology:** Mars was the Roman god of war and agriculture. Mars protected those who fought for their communities, and stayed home to raise crops for food. The Greek name for Mars is Ares.

Mass: 10% of the Earth Volume: 15% of the Earth Distance from the Earth: 229 million kilometers 1 Orbit around the Sun: 686.98 days 1 Full Rotation: 24 hours and 37 minutes Maximum Temperature: 98 degrees F Minimum Temperature: -190 degrees F Moons: 2 moons, Deimos and Phobos
 * Fast Facts:**

**Mars's Moons** Mars's moons are oddly shaped and extremely small (only 12.6 km and 22.2 km). Since their sizes are so small, the gravity on the two moons is very weak. Because of this weak gravity they do not have enough force to pull themselves into a round shape. Scientists think that these two worlds probably started as asteroids between Mars and Jupiter but the powerful gravity of Jupiter flung them out near Mars where they were captured and remain today.

Mars has higher mountains, and deeper canyons than any other planet. The largest canyon on Mars would stretch from one side of the United States to the other on the Earth!
 * Did you know?**