Mars 
Mars: Fourth planet from the sun
Radius at the equator: 3,397 km
Rotation period: 1.026 earth days
Revolutions: 1.88 earth years
Mass: 0.11 earth masses
Surface gravity: 0.38 earth gravities
The music used on this page is by composer Gustav Holst. The title is "Mars- The Bringer of War" from the symphony The Planet, which was first performed in 1918. This dark composition evokes images of war.
In mythology, Mars was the Roman god of war. The month of March was named in honor of Mars.
Mars has been chosen as a possible site for human colonization. NASA is targetting 2030 as the year for the first human settlement of Mars. It will take considerable technology to create a habitable environment for humans.
The surface temperature of Mars is as comfortable as Antarctica, ranging in temperature from 7 degrees F to -190 degrees F. The thin carbon dioxide atmosphere does not allow sound to travel except in the lower ranges. This means that humans will need to be able to communicate without speech. There is no flowing water on Mars and no life as we know it unless simple bacteria exist in the permafrost. There is speculation that bacteria may have been present on Mars. A 16-million-year-old chunk of Mars that fell to Earth contains what may be a bacteria fossil.
Humans need water, an oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle, a nitrogen cycle, a temperature range of 55 to 88 degrees fahrenheit, food, shelter, and space for survival. While some materials on Mars may be exploited for settlement, almost everything will need to be brought from Earth and recycled.
Without an ozone layer, Mars is subjected to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. This can cause skin cancer in humans and can also cause a sunburn in plants.
The geology of Mars indicates a volcanic past. The most common rock is basalt, an extrusive igneous rock. Dust storms are common as the counterclockwise swirling winds blow the red sands violently around. The red color gives Mars the name the "red planet." Currently, Mars does not seem to be geologically active. There are a number of dormant volcanic cones around the planet. While Mars may be Antarctica in temperature, it is the Gobi Desert in topography.
An expedition to Mars could be done in stages. One plan calls for sending the return vehicle ahead to the planet to make rocket fuel from carbon dioxide and hydrogen while the cargo craft lands on the planet with supplies. The crew would follow. It takes about 6 months to travel to Mars. A mission would last about 3 years. After numerous missions, a colony of habitats would be left on the planet for permanent settlement. The habitat units are inflatable and made of remarkably strong materials that can withstand the impact of small space debris.
Colonists on Mars could make use of the raw materials on the planet for construction and uv sheilding. The basalt rock is a good construction material and sand bags can be used to protect the habitats from uv radiation. The sunlight and day length are sufficient for plant growth. However, the plants would need protection from uv radiation and the extreme temperatures. Visit Terraforming Mars for information on how to make Mars earthlike.
Try out this great virtual exploration of Mars at National Geographic.
For the latest Mars exploration information visit the NASA Mars or JPL Mars website.
A timeline of all missions to Mars, successful and unsuccessful can be found at NASA Chronology.
For general information about Mars, click here for Nine Planets website.
Scientific American Frontiers has great information about planst to travel to mars at From Mir to Mars. Be sure to scroll up the page to explore the links and the webcast interview with an astronaut on Mir. Use the link at the bottom for background information on Mars.
