Captivating Mars Facts You’ll Be Bummed You Didn’t Know Before

Whether you want to become an astronaut or not, you will love our list of 10 captivating Mars facts you’ll be bummed you didn’t know before. But don’t worry; Mars isn’t going anywhere, so soak up these fun tidbits and tell all your friends.

For instance, did you know that Mars takes its name from the Roman war god? It is about 227,940,000 kilometers from the Sun and is referred to by Chinese scientists as the “fire star.” Sadly, out of the 39 Mars missions, 16 have been a success, but we will not give up. Read on for more fascinating facts about the Red Planet.

Facts about Mars

1 Gasp!

As for the air pressure on Mars, it is just 1% of the air pressure on Earth.

2 A Bitter Forecast

The average temperature on Mars is about -50 degrees Fahrenheit.

3 Top Secret Samples

NASA has some rock samples from Mars right here on Earth!

4 Double Trouble

Twois better than one, and Mars has two moons (one of which is set to collide into Mars.)

5 A Size Comparison

The United States of America makes up only 20% of the diameter of Mars.

6 Mars’ Terrain is Diverse

The planet has very deep valleys and tall mountains.

Related: Facts about the Universe!

7 A Different Feel for Gravity

Compared to Earth, Mars has just 37% of the gravity we mere humans experience.

8 Its Atmosphere Has Changed

Radiation from the Sun is said to have dissipated the hydrogen from Mars’ upper atmosphere.

9 In Fact, There is Still Water There

The Mars Rover has found pockets of frozen water on the red planet.

10 Mars Used to Have Water

Researchers have found grooves in rock faces that could only have been from running water.

11 Carbon Dioxide (not Oxygen!)

Mars is 95% carbon dioxide and would kill an ill-prepared astronaut super quickly.

12 Volcanoes

Mars also has loads of dormant volcanoes.

Video: Mars 101

From its blood-like hue to its potential to sustain life, Mars has intrigued humankind for thousands of years. Learn how the red planet formed from gas and dust and what its polar ice caps mean for life as we know it.