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Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun.The surface of Mars is orange-red because it is covered in iron(III) oxide dust, giving it the nickname "the Red Planet". [22] [23] Mars is among the brightest objects in Earth's sky, and its high-contrast albedo features have made it a common subject for telescope viewing.
Generalised geological map of Mars [1] Mars as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope. The geology of Mars is the scientific study of the surface, crust, and interior of the planet Mars. It emphasizes the composition, structure, history, and physical processes that shape the planet. It is analogous to the field of terrestrial geology.
Named after the Roman god of war, it is often referred to as the "Red Planet" [1] [2] because the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere , having surface features reminiscent both of the impact craters of the Moon and the valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps of Earth .
The surface appearance of some regions of Mars is due to how this unit has degraded. It is a major cause of the surface appearance of lobate debris aprons. [56] The layering of the upper plains mantling unit and other mantling units are believed to be caused by major changes in the planet's climate.
Many astronomical phenomena viewed from the planet Mars are the same as or similar to those seen from Earth; but some (e.g. the view of Earth as an evening/morning star) are quite different. For example, because the atmosphere of Mars does not contain an ozone layer , it is also possible to make UV observations from the surface of Mars.
The composition of Mars covers the branch of the geology of Mars that describes the make-up of the planet Mars. "Hottah" rock outcrop on Mars – ancient streambed [1] [2] [3] viewed by the Curiosity Rover (September 12, 2012, white balanced) (raw, close-up, 3-D version). Abundant iron compounds are responsible for the bright brownish-red ...
Studies of impact crater densities on the Martian surface [10] [11] have delineated four broad periods in the planet's geologic history. [12] The periods were named after places on Mars that had large-scale surface features, such as large craters or widespread lava flows, that date back to these time periods.
Interactive image map of the global topography of Mars. Hover your mouse over the image to see the names of over 60 prominent geographic features, and click to link to them. Coloring of the base map indicates relative elevations , based on data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor .