Jakarta –
Mars is one of the planets in the solar system that has unique characteristics. One of the characteristics of the planet Mars is that it is red. This makes it also called the red planet.
Come on, let’s look at other characteristics of the planet Mars.
Understanding the Planet Mars
Quoted from Esa Unggul University, the planet Mars is the planet in fourth place from the sun.
In 1534 BC the Ancient Egyptians observed the movement of the planet Mars. Meanwhile, the Babylonians began observing the behavior and position of the planet Mars around the 4th century BC.
Chinese astronomers are recorded as having observed Mars in the 4th century BC while Indian astronomers estimated the diameter of Mars in the 5th century BC.
Characteristics of the Planet Mars
Quoted from the NASA website, the following are the characteristics of the planet Mars:
1. Reddish red in color
One of the characteristics of the planet Mars is that it is reddish red. Therefore, Mars was given the nickname the red planet. This red color is caused by the abundant iron oxide content on this planet.
2. Distance from the Sun
The planet Mars is about 227 million kilometers from the sun. The closest distance is 206 million kilometers, while the farthest distance is 246 million kilometers.
3. Size and Volume of the Planet Mars
The diameter of the planet Mars is approximately 6,779 kilometers. The volume of the planet Mars is approximately 1,632×10^11 cubic kilometers. Mars is about half the size of Earth.
4. Classification of Planets
The planet Mars is part of the terrestrial planets and is included in the category of inner planets. Terrestrial planets are planets that are mostly composed of silicate rock or metal. Inner planets are the planets closest to the sun.
5. Topography
The surface of the planet Mars is very diverse. The planet’s surface consists of craters, valleys, deserts, volcanoes, and the poles are covered by ice domes.
6. Temperature
Temperatures on Mars can reach 20 degrees Celsius or as low as -153 degrees Celsius. However, the average on the surface of Mars is around -46 degrees Celsius.
Because the atmosphere is very thin, heat from the Sun easily escapes. If you stand on the surface of Mars at the equator during the day, you will feel spring in your feet (24 degrees Celsius). You will also feel winter on your head (0 degrees Celsius).
6. Atmosphere
The planet Mars has an atmospheric layer that is thinner than Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere is composed of carbon dioxide gas (95%), nitrogen (3%), oxygen, argon and water vapor.
7. Rotation and Revolution
Mars has a rotation period of about 24.6 hours and a revolution period of about 687 days. This means that one day on Mars is almost the same as on Earth. However, a year on Mars is longer. Mars’ axis of rotation is tilted 25 degrees to the plane of its orbit around the sun.
8. Satellite
Mars has two satellites, namely Phobos and Deimos. The two satellites circle the planet Mars.
Phobos and Deimos could be captured asteroids. This satellite is potato-shaped with a very small mass. Gravity can’t make it round.
9. Season
Just like Earth, Mars has different seasons, but they last longer than the seasons on Earth. This is because Mars takes longer to orbit the Sun.
On Earth, the seasons are spread evenly throughout the year and usually last 3 months. On Mars, the seasons vary because Mars’ orbit is elliptical.
10. Doesn’t Have a Ring
Mars has no rings. However, in 50 million years when Phobos hits Mars or breaks apart, a dusty ring will form around the planet Mars.
This is an explanation of the characteristics of the planet Mars. Hope it is useful.
Watch the video “Scientists Say Humans Have Pushed Earth into the ‘Planetary Boundary’ Danger Zone”
(row/row)
2023-10-15 23:15:15
#Characteristics #Mars #Red #Planet
