Tour the solar system: Mars
While the Red Planet is geologically inactive now, astronomers see evidence of a much more turbulent past as well as the strong possibility that it once held liquidÒšwater.
By
Liz Kruesi Òš|Òš
Published: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Mars appears as a red glow to the naked eye. Itò??s named after the Roman god of war because its rusty appearance reminded the ancients of blood. So what causes the red color? The planetò??s dust contains iron oxide, which is rust.
Learn more about the Red Planet by registering with Astronomy.com and gaining access to the video, "Tour the solar system: Mars."