Mars: Facts and Discoveries

Mars is a key focus for space exploration, being the most studied planet after Earth. Scientists believe it formed 4.5 billion years ago and is the fourth planet from the sun. Mars is rocky, with a diameter similar to Africa's width and a surface area akin to Earth's continents. Its red color comes from dust, and it has extreme temperatures. Evidence suggests Mars was once warmer with liquid water, as seen in lake beds and river valleys. Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, is on Mars. Though volcanic activity ceased 50 million years ago, water exists as polar ice caps, hinting at past life. Since the 1960s, missions have aimed to understand Mars' past and potential for supporting life, with hopes of a future human presence.

Which planet is the most studied after Earth?

• Saturn

• Mars

• Venus

• Jupiter

How long ago do scientists believe Mars was formed?

• 4.5 billion years

• 3.5 billion years

• 5.5 billion years

• 6.5 billion years

What is the diameter of Mars comparable to?

• Australia

• Europe

• Africa

• Asia

Why does Mars appear red?

• Red oceans

• Red atmosphere

• Red vegetation

• Red dust

What was Mars' climate like billions of years ago?

• Warmer with liquid water

• Colder and wetter

• Hot and dry

• Frozen and icy

What is Olympus Mons?

• A mountain on Earth

• A volcano on Mars

• A crater on the Moon

• A canyon on Venus

When did volcanic activity on Mars stop?

• 20 million years ago

• 100 million years ago

• 50 million years ago

• 10 million years ago

Where can water still be found on Mars?

• In surface rivers

• In the atmosphere

• In polar ice caps

• In underground lakes

Since when have scientists been launching missions to Mars?

• 1980s

• 1970s

• 1960s

• 1950s

What do some scientists believe about life on Mars?

• It is impossible

• It is currently thriving

• It might be key to humanity's future

• It never existed