Mars, The Red Planet

Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, is the fourth planet from the Sun and is known for its reddish appearance, which is due to iron oxide, or rust, on its surface. With a thin atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, Mars has surface temperatures that can plunge drastically, reaching lows of around -125 degrees Celsius in winter. The planet hosts numerous geological features, including the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, and a vast canyon system, Valles Marineris. NASA and various international missions have explored Mars extensively, searching for signs of past water and potential life, making it a key focus for future human exploration and scientific discovery.