Mars

Designation

Fourth planet from the Sun.

Dusty and rusty, Mars is known as the “Red Planet” because of its distinctive red color, caused by iron. Scientists believe that Mars once had flowing water and could possibly have supported life, but now it’s cold and dry with very little protective atmosphere. One day on Mars takes about 24.6 Earth hours, while a year takes 686 Earth days.

Did you know: Mars has both the tallest volcano (Olympus Mons) and the deepest canyon (Valles Marineris) in the Solar System.

Diameter

6780.00km 4213.80mi

This object compared to other %category%

Average distance from the Sun

Semi-major axis (a)

Deviation from a circular orbit

Eccentricity (e)

Angle of orbit

Inclination (i)

Orbital elements

When will it be closest to the Sun?

days left

How far is it today?

From the Sun

1.00au

From the Earth