MARS: A detailed guide to the 'Red Planet' of solar system

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INTRODUCTION

Mars, the fourth planet from the sun after Earth. Known as the “Red Planet” because of the orange-red color of its iron oxide dust layer present in the surface. Due to its high contrast albedo characteristics, Mars is one of the brightest objects in the Earth’s sky and is a popular target for telescope gazing. Mars is classified as a terrestrial planet and second smallest planet in the solar system after Venus, having a diameter 6779 km (4212 mi). A Martin solar day (24.5 hours) is quite similar to Earths in terms of orbital motion, and a Martin solar year is equivalent to 1.88 Earth years (687 Earth Days). Phobos and Deimos are two of Mars’s small asymmetrical natural satellite.

PLANET FEATURES

Fact about Mars

Equator circumference: 21,339km
Radius: 3,390km
Average distance from Sun: 228 million km/ 1.5 astronomical units (AU)
Surface temperature: -53°C to 27°C
Surface gravity: 3.7 m/s² or 0.38 g₀
Surface area: 1.4437 X 10⁸Km²or 0.284 Earths
Volume: 1.63118 X 10¹¹Km³ or 0.151 Earths
Mass: 6.4171 X 10²³ Kg or 0.107 Earths
Escape Velocity: 5.027 m/s
Mean density: 3.9335 g/cm³
Day length: Near about 1 Earth days (24 Hours 37 Minutes 22 Seconds)
Year length: 687 Days
Sunlight travel time: 13.39 Minutes
Average orbital speed: 53,853mph (24.07km/s)
Moons: 2 (Phobos, Deimos)
Planet type: terrestrial
Composition: Carbon dioxide, Argon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon monoxide, Water vapour

HISTORY OF DISCOVERY

Among the “bright” planets, Mars can be seen with the naked eye in the sky. Its brightness fluctuates throughout the year, looking at times as bright as Jupiter and at other times as a star, which makes it exceptionally unusual. Mars was known since it is visible without the need for optical improvement. Astronomer Galileo Galilei what’s the first person to view Mars with a telescope, just like he was for Venus. In 1610, he made the first precise observation of the planet.

ATMOSPHERE OF MARS

With a surface pressure of just 0.6% of Earth’s atmosphere, Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, has a far thinner and more tenuous atmosphere than Earth. The Martian atmosphere is primarily made up of Carbon dioxide (95.3%), with small amounts of Nitrogen (2.7%) and Argon (1.6%). However, it is deficient in oxygen and water vapor, which are essential for supporting life on Earth. The planet’s average temperature is about -80°F (-60°C), however it can vary from a pleasant 70°F (20°C) during the day near the equator to a very cold -195°F (-125°C) at the poles during the winter. This thin atmosphere is one of the factors contributing to the planet’s cold environment.

The complex weather patterns of Mars’ atmosphere are very well-known, and can include enormous dust storms that can continue for weeks and wrap the entire planet. Seasonal variations cause these dust storms, which have the power to momentarily warm the atmosphere due to dust particles absorbing sunlight. This can have a significant impact on the planet’s temperature. Since the thin atmosphere is unable to hold heat well, it also permits significant variations in temperature during the day and night. The Martian atmosphere, however thin, has enough carbon dioxide in it to sustain a weak greenhouse effect, but not enough to warm the planet much.

Methane (CH₄), which is found in small levels in Mars’ atmosphere, is one of its most fascinating features. Methane is a gas that is mostly produced by biological processes on Earth, however geological action can sometimes produce it. Because it suggests the possibility of either underground microbial life or active geological processes, the source of Mars’ methane is still a topic of scientific inquiry and discussion. Mars also has a weak magnetic field, which permits solar winds to gradually remove its atmosphere over time, adding to the planet’s general dryness and coldness.

EXPLORATION OR MISSION TO MARS

Since the 1960s, numerous launches of Mars missions from Earth have been made with the goal of investigating our planetary neighbor. Mars is a tempting target because of the possibility of liquid water there and, consequently, life.

However, only roughly half of all Mars missions reach the Red Planet successfully, according to NASA, because it’s a challenging trek.

Numerous space agencies have reached Mars successfully since the first successful flyby in 1965. Previous successes were achieved by NASA, the Indian Space Research Organization, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the former Soviet Union space program. Here all of the mission has been conducted or proposed are been listed below.

Past and Current Missions

Mars 2020 – NASA rover to Mars (2020)
Tianwen 1 – Chinese Mars rover and orbiter (2020)
Hope – United Arab Emirates Mars orbiter (2020)
InSight – NASA lander to Mars (2018)
ExoMars 2016 – ESA Orbiter and Lander to Mars (2016)
MAVEN – NASA Mars Orbiter (2013)
Mangalyaan – ISRO (India) Mars Orbiter (2013)
NASA Mars Science Laboratory – NASA Mars Rover (2011)
Phobos-Grunt – Attempted Russian Phobos Sample Return (2011)
Yinghuo-1 – Attempted Chinese Mars Orbiter (2011)
Phoenix – NASA Mars Scout Lander (2007)
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter – NASA Orbiter (2005)
Mars Exploration Rovers – Two NASA Rovers to Mars (2003)
Spirit
Opportunity
Mars Express – ESA Mars Orbiter and Lander (2003)
2001 Mars Odyssey – NASA Orbiter Mission to Mars (2001)
Mars Polar Lander – NASA attempted lander to Mars (1999)
Deep Space 2 – NASA attempted penetrator mission to Mars (1999)
Mars Climate Orbiter – NASA attempted orbiter to Mars (1998)
Nozomi (Planet-B) – ISAS (Japan) orbiter to Mars (1998)
Mars Global Surveyor – NASA Mars orbiter (1996)
Mars Pathfinder – NASA lander and rover to Mars (1996)
Mars 96 – Russian attempted mission to Mars (1996)
Mars Observer – NASA attempted mission to Mars (1992)
Phobos 1 – Soviet mission to Mars (1988)
Phobos 2 – Soviet mission to Mars (1988)
Viking – NASA orbiters/landers to Mars (1975)
Mars 7 – Soviet attempted Mars lander (1973)
Mars 6 – Soviet Mars lander (1973)
Mars 5 – Soviet Mars orbiter (1973)
Mars 4 – Soviet attempted Mars orbiter (1973)
Mariner 9 – NASA Mars orbiter (1971)
Mars 3 – Soviet Mars orbiter and lander (1971)
Mars 2 – Soviet Mars orbiter and lander (1971)
Mariner 7 – NASA Mars flyby (1969)
Mariner 6 – NASA Mars flyby (1969)
Mariner 4 – NASA Mars flyby (1964)
Mars 1 – Soviet Mars flyby (1962)

Proposed and Future Missions

EscaPADE – NASA Dual SmallSat Mars orbiters (2024)
Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) – JAXA sample return mission to Phobos (2026)
ExoMars 2022 – ESA lander and rover to Mars (2028)
S., India to Collaborate on Mars Exploration – NASA Press Release (30 September 2014)
NASA Announces Robust Multi-Year Mars Program – NASA Press Release (4 December 2012)
Proposals For Future Missions Selected – NASA Press Release (8 Jan 2007)

POTENTIAL FOR LIFE

The potential of life on Mars has caught scientists’ interest for decades, owing to the planet’s similarities to Earth and evidence that it formerly had liquid water, a necessary component for life. Here are some crucial points about the possibilities for life on Mars.

Past Evidence of Water: Mars has evidence of ancient river valleys, lake bottoms, and minerals formed in the presence of water. This suggests that liquid water, which is required for life as we know it, was once present on the surface. The discovery of hydrated minerals and repeating slope lineae (black streaks on Martian slopes) suggests that briny water may still flow intermittently on Mars today.
Current Water Reserves: Mars features polar ice caps comprised of both water and dry ice (frozen CO2). Radar data from the Mars Express mission suggests that liquid water reservoirs may exist beneath the surface, particularly in locations such as subglacial lakes.
Atmosphere and Radiation: Mars has a thin atmosphere comprised primarily of carbon dioxide and no magnetic field, exposing the surface to extreme quantities of cosmic radiation. This makes it difficult for life to exist on the surface. However, life may exist underground, where it would be safe from radiation.
Present of Methane (CH4): Methane has been identified in the Martian atmosphere, and its concentrations vary seasonally. Methane is mostly created on Earth by biological processes, however geological activity can also contribute. The source of Martian methane is unclear, raising the potential of microbial life.
Extremophiles on Earth: Extremophiles are creatures that live in difficult environments such as high temperatures, acidity, or radiation. The discovery of these living forms shows that life may exist in Mars’ harsh environment.
Future Missions: Upcoming missions, such as NASA’s Perseverance rover and the European Space Agency’s ExoMars mission, seek to find evidence of past or present life by investigating the planet’s surface and subsurface in more detail.

CONCLUSION

To summarise, Mars occupies a unique position in our solar system as a planet of mystery and potential. Mars, nicknamed the “Red Planet” because to its striking colour, has long been a focus for scientists and space enthusiasts. Its terrain, characterised by enormous gorges, towering volcanoes, and traces of old riverbeds, reveals a past that may have featured liquid water, a necessary component for life. Mars’ thin atmosphere, which is largely made of carbon dioxide, generates a harsh environment characterised by severe temperatures and intense dust storms. Despite these hurdles, Mars remains the most Earth-like planet, making it an ideal choice for future exploration and colonization.

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MARS: Features, Discovery, Atmosphere, Mission, Possibilities for Sustaining Human Life!!

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