Since ancient times, mankind has begun to explore the mysteries of the universe.In ancient times there were the first calculations that with some accuracy the distance from the Earth to the surrounding objects in the solar system.Also at this time there was the first sky map.Of all the planets and stars, who studied our ancestors, not the last place was occupied by Mars.It was visible to the naked eye in the sky.Over the years, people have studied the planet down to the molecular composition of the soil and the atmosphere.For now, we present you some interesting facts about Mars, based on the writings of all mankind.
mysterious name
both today and in ancient times, the Red Planet is strongly stood out from the more distant stars and galaxies, which are seen to us as luminous spots.Particularly noteworthy are its color.This was first noticed by the ancient Egyptians, who are constantly carried out observations of the stars.They called this a space object - «her desher», which means "red."At the same time the planet was observed in ancient China.Then it felt for the star, and is also called the red.Its official name she received in ancient Rome in honor of the god of war Mars.Of course, and this decision was influenced by color - bloody, as the Romans said.
Why is Mars red?
Interesting facts about Mars began to appear even in ancient times, since the planet discovered.All nations are engaged in studying it, looking for the answer to one question: why the planet appears red?Does she have a shade or is it some kind of spectral illusion?Now you can answer with certainty that Mars does have a red surface.This color is formed by the deposits of the regolith, which is rich in iron and various minerals.All this is mixed with stones, which are also touched up in a brown hue.As a result, the entire planet is covered with red soil.
Life on Mars: fiction or reality?
Once sent from Earth set of satellites, astronomers were able to establish new facts about Mars, which relate to its atmosphere.It is known that due to the air shell any planet could be useful for the development of life or, conversely, remain deserted.So, as Mars, the atmosphere here is very thin and very cold.It passes through a sun radiation and cosmic dust, does not interfere with electrical emissions that come from Jupiter and Saturn.Such conditions are completely exclude the presence of water on the planet, or even ice, consequently, of life itself.Today we can say exactly what Mars - is the desert that extends to the entire planet.
Relief planetary scale
No less interesting facts about Mars can be found by studying the topography of the planet.It is, though, and the desert has its mountains, plains, plateaus and depressions.So, hills here - the highest in the solar system, and depression - the most profound and lingering.The highest point of the planet is Mount Olympus (27 kilometers).It is three times more than our Everest.The deepest point is the Valles Marineris.Its depth of 10 kilometers goes down while slowness is 4,000 km, which is comparable to mainland Australia.
Volcanic scale
Apart from the highest mountain of Olympus, which acquired its parameters through prolonged eruptions of lava on Mars is also a volcano, whose diameter is the largest in the solar system.Mouth of the "breathing" the mountain stretches the length and breadth of 600 kilometers, which is comparable to the state of New Mexico in the world.When you look at these facts about Mars and compares the magnitude of the planet Earth, it seems that our nearest planetary neighbor is the relief of unbelievable proportions.At the same time all the beauty of Mars - this is only the land and no water droplets.
ice from the dust
We have already said that the atmosphere of the Red Planet is not conducive to the fact that on the surface or in the depths of the soil life began, or even water.However, at the poles of Mars, scientists have long noted the so-called ice caps that do not melt, and only slightly change their shape.Once the ice was delivered to Earth, held its thorough analysis.Due to the fact that the temperature in the polar regions is incredibly low (below we will look at these interesting facts about Mars as its weather conditions, and it will become clear), the ice is not even amenable to aggressive sunlight, which mercilessly penetrate through its thin atmosphere.Itself consists of carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide.It falls into the category of dry ice and in very small proportions, evaporates into the atmosphere.
Weather Mars
We have a lot to learn about the fourth planet of the solar system, but the most interesting facts about Mars lie in its weather conditions.We, earthlings, the word "wilderness" is associated with the heat, the wind and the terrible scorching sun.If the ice desert, there are eternal snows.But Mars - a unique combination of low temperature and unthinkable complete lack of rainfall.The air temperature at the equator is lowered to -60 Celsius at the poles it is already -130, sometimes below.Now remember, what kind of atmosphere from the planet: it is very thin.Because there is not formed clouds, wind and any cyclones.The length and breadth of the Red Planet everywhere the landscape is changing only the temperature.
Summary of basic data about the planet
We considered today the most important and interesting facts about Mars.Briefly, we present the rest of the material, which relates to the Red Planet:
- Day on Mars are terrestrial - 24 hours, but the year lasts 687 days.
- Mars enters into the category of the terrestrial planets.This means that it has a hard surface and a unique topography.
- thin Martian atmosphere consists of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon.
- Mars no rings.
- But he has two moons - Phobos and Deimos.
- In the atmosphere of the Red Planet is not the ozone layer.Because the sunrise here is not accompanied by the joy and smiles, as on Earth, but a lethal dose of radiation.
- to Mars was launched more than 80 satellites, and only a third of them fulfilled its mission.It is believed that it has a "Bermuda Triangle", which absorbs our technique.
