Mars test
Giovanni Schiaparelli
(Italian astronomer)- observed network of lines he called "canali" → translated into English as canals. Thus began a long fascination with Martian life and fantasized civilization"
What is Mars Surface temperature?
-200 to about 70
hope many moons does Mars have?
2 irregular shaped Moons probably meteoroids
How dense is Mars?
3.92 pretty dense
What mars atmosphere like?
95% CO2
What features does mars have?
Dark regions and streaks are areas of wind erosion -Mars Poles are covered with water ice and frozen Carbon dioxide ( polar Caps) No liquid Water
What is Mars surface made out of?
Iron- rich dust
how did Lowells theories on Martian life inspire others?
Lowell's theories on Martian life inspired science-fiction works = The War of the Worlds (1898) by H. G. Wells - novel about a Martian invasion of Earth → a radio dramatization of this book in 1938 caused panic in the Eastern U.S. -made into movies several times, most recently in 2005 with Tom Cruise
Observing Mars
Mars is best observed when it is nearest to the earth. Mars is a small planet, about half the size of earth. It always appears small in a telescope eyepiece
How is Mars Period of rotation Compared to Earth?
about the same 24.6 earth hours
Mars Axis Tilt compared to Earth?
about the same so it has no seasons 25.19
What coloring is Mars?
red coloring because of iron oxidized
Percival Lowell
theorized mars canals were built by intelligent beings → supposedly supplied water melting polar caps to a dying desert world
1976 Viking Mission
took the first clear photos of Mars
-1997 pathfinder mission
was the first rover. "Sojourner" wheeled 23 pound robot only lasted a couple days
What is the best Chance that there will be life on mars?
fossilized microbes
mars face
is a coincidental alignment of rocks other geologic formations and shadows that happen to look like a human face from a certain angle. later images do not look like a face at all.
Olympus Mons
is the highest Volcano peak of the solar system. Mars does not have plate tectonics so such high volcanoes are possible.
2004 Opportunity and Spirit Rover
lasted 6 years and many miles
