EXPLORING MARS

© NASA, 1977 MARS, as seen from the Viking Orbiters in 1977. The Mariner Valley (Valles Marinaris) is clearly visible.   Mars: Primary characterictics     Diameter ( km ) Mass ( kg x 10^24 ) Density ( kgm^-3 ) Mean Orbit (km x 10^6) Diurnal Period - day ( hours ) Orbital Period - year ( days ) Orbital Inclination ( ° ) Axial Inclination ( ° ) Average Surf Temperature ( K ) Gravity ( g ) Rel Magnetic Field Strength MARS   6,794 0.064 3930 228 24.62 687 1.85 25.2 153 to 298 0.38 significant EARTH   12,756 5.97 5,520 150 24 365.25 nil 23.5 203 to 328 1 1 Mars is smaller than Earth. Mars is colder than Earth. Mars has the largest geological features of all the inner planets. Mars has a thin atmosphere of Carbon Dioxide Some parts of Mars are heavily cratered. Mars shows signs of extensive volcanic activity. Return to Journey

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