Mars

Mars is the outer neighbour of the Earth. Mars is known as the "Red Planet", because its surface shines red when seen from Earth at night. This is caused by Iron Oxide on its surficial area - Iron Oxide is also known as rust. So its simply rust giving Mars its color.

Mars has a very thin atmosphere of 95% carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon. Its pressure is below 1% of the pressure on Earth.

A year on Mars is nearly two earth years long. Temperatures on Mars are from -140°C (-220°F), and can reach +20°C (+68°F) in the Sun.

Mars is surrounded by two moons called Phobos and Deimos. It is assumed that they are captured asteroids, because they are relatively small and shaped erratically.

Mars has its name from the Roman god of war.