In the past, Mars was indeed seen as a planet with an unattractive expanse of red land. But it turns out, Mars has many interesting and mysterious places, from the mystery of ancient rivers, valleys full of mysteries, to the highest volcanoes in the universe.
It’s no wonder that today there are many missions to go and investigate Mars further. Not a few who have the ambition to build civilization there. Then, what are the interesting places on Mars?
1. Mount Olympus, the highest volcano in the universe
Illustration of Mount Olympus on Mars (pixabay.com/WikiImages)
Mount Olympus is the largest volcano on Mars and at the same time the largest volcano in the universe to date. Reported SpaceMount Olympus is a shield-type volcano, up to 25 kilometers high and 601 kilometers wide.
The last time this volcano erupted is estimated to be around 25 million years ago and has the potential to erupt again in the future. But like other shield-type volcanoes, this mountain doesn’t spew lava by exploding loudly, but by flowing lava. Therefore, the slope of this mountain is not steep.
2. The Tharsis area, home to many large volcanoes
Illustration of the Tharsis Region on Mars (pixabay.com/WikiImages)
Mount Olympus isn’t the only massive volcano on Mars. Mars has the Tharsis plains, large volcanic plains in the western hemisphere of Mars. Reported MarspediaThese plains cover 25% of Mars’ surface and are home to 12 gigantic volcanoes stretching 2,000 kilometers wide.
Some of the famous and striking giant mountains are Ascraeus Monds, Pavonis Mons, dan Arsia Mons. According to researchers, the height of these volcanoes is due to the weak gravitational force of Mars which allows them to grow tall. In addition, Reported by Space, in the past these mountains have rocked Mars for 2 billion years!
Also Read: Artificial Intelligence can Help Find Life on Mars
3. The north and south poles, layers of ice that come from carbon dioxide
illustration of polar regions on Mars (unsplash.com/NASA)
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Like Earth, Mars has two poles covered by a thick layer of ice and dust. However, the poles on Mars are much colder than Earth. Reported Arizona State University, the temperature at the poles of Mars in winter reaches -153 degrees Celsius! This low temperature causes carbon dioxide to immediately freeze in winter and form ice at the poles of Mars.
When spring arrives, the carbon dioxide will turn into a gas and be released into the atmosphere. However, there are layers of ice that remain and last for hundreds of years or even millions of years. In addition, the ice cycle at the poles of Mars is responsible for 25% of the air cycle in the Martian atmosphere every year.
4. Valles Marineris, the largest canyon in the universe
illustration of the Valles Marineris canyon on Mars (unsplash.com/Joshua Woroniecki)
Not only has the largest volcano in our solar system, Mars also has the largest canyon in the universe, you know. Its name is Valles Marineris or Mariner’s Valley. Reported NASAthis gorge stretches for 4,000 kilometers and reaches a depth of 7 kilometers!
As a comparison, Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States is only 800 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers deep. Researchers agree that Valles Marineris is the largest tectonic rift on Mars and was formed along with the formation of the Tharsis volcanic region. One more interesting thing, there are several paths that might be formed by the flow of water.
Read also: 10 unique objects on Mars, some of which are very strange
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