Mars

The fourth planet from the Sun. Mars orbits the Sun at an average distance of 1.52 times Earth's distance. The planet is about 10 percent as massive as Earth, and a bit more than half as big. It is made of solid, rocky material, and has a thin atmosphere of carbon dioxide. Iron oxide, or rust, on the surface of Mars gives it its characteristic red color. The planet has bright polar ice caps made of frozen water and carbon dioxide. Mars also has two small moons, Phobos and Deimos.

Featured Images

Deep Freeze Saturday, June 9, 2007
Dry Run Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Stepping Up to the Plate Thursday, April 12, 2007
Watch Your Feet! Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Peeking Out the Window Tuesday, February 27, 2007
A Passing Glance Monday, February 26, 2007
Cloudy Sky Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Dirty Devils Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Frosty Morning Friday, October 20, 2006
Peek-A-Boo! Sunday, October 8, 2006
Gassy Eruptions Monday, August 21, 2006
Rocky Debate Monday, August 7, 2006
Volcanic Giants Thursday, July 27, 2006
First View Thursday, July 20, 2006
Arresting Sight Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Adding Color Monday, April 10, 2006
Watery Mars? Monday, April 3, 2006
Adding to the Fleet Friday, March 10, 2006
Mars Waypoint Saturday, January 7, 2006

FacebookTwitterYouTube

©2013 The University of Texas McDonald Observatory