Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. People call it the Red Planet because it looks red in the sky. Its soil has a lot of iron, which rusts and turns red. Mars is smaller than Earth. It is a cold, rocky, and dry world.

The Red Planet

Mars has tall mountains, deep canyons, and big dusty deserts. It has the biggest volcano in the solar system, called Olympus Mons. Mars also has two small moons named Phobos and Deimos. Sometimes giant dust storms cover the whole planet.

Mars lined up with the other small rocky planets near the Sun.
Mars lined up with the other small rocky planets near the Sun. (Jamescarolinewiki / Wikimedia Commons)

Exploring Mars

Scientists have sent many robots to study Mars. These robots are called rovers and landers. They look for signs of water and old life. One famous rover is named Curiosity, and another is called Perseverance.

Fun Facts

  • A day on Mars is just a little longer than a day on Earth.
  • Mars has seasons like Earth, but they last much longer.
  • Olympus Mons is about three times taller than Mount Everest.

Did You Know?

Mars used to have rivers and lakes billions of years ago!