Scientists describe Mars as the ‘Red Planet’ as they observe its brilliance through their telescopes. It is similar to Venus as shines in the night sky. They are rediscovering all the facts that ancient philosophers, theorists, astronomers and other thinkers knew. Thinkers such as Aristotle used their knowledge of the planets and the universe to organise their society. Experts will likely continue to make new discoveries in their quest to learn what they can about Mars, Earth and our solar system.

• Christian Huygens discovered as strange feature now known as Syrtis Major. Experts have learnt exciting facts about Mars which suggests that life had likely existed on it. Giovanni Schiaparelli noticed strange lines on the planet which he later realized were canals. He knew that living beings needed to survive and flourish. If the planet had water than it is likely that it could support life on it.
• Scientists knew about the planet’s ability to produce water as early as 1971 as they discovered large volcanoes on its surface. This suggests that the planet likely warmed making it impossible for life to withstand the heat.
• Astronauts dreaming of traveling to the ‘Red Planet’, however, they had not achieved this feat until the late 1900s. They eventually landed on the planet’s surface with the aim of analyzing its ability to adapt to climate change and support life on it.
• Nobody can claim that they or their country discovered Mars. Experts can only see five planets from their laboratories. They include; Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Scientists will likely develop the technology to see the other planets in our solar system. They often wish to learn as much as they can to understand Mars and Earth.
• Humans have been fascinated by Mars and the wider universe for centuries. The Romans and ancient Egyptians studied the sky and realised that Mars was a planet in its own right. They and the Babylonians realized that Mars was further away from the sun than Earth. Ancient people respected these facts as they based their religions and daily practices on them.
• Other thinkers knew about Mars, the sun and the solar system which modern man takes for granted. Aristotle the Greek philosopher knew that man was only a small part of the universe. He realized that Earth was not the most important planet rather it was only as significant as the other planets in our solar system. Astronauts plan to explore the ‘Red Planet’ in 2011 provided they are ready to do so.

Ancient scientists, philosophers, and theorists knew about Mars, our solar system and the wider universe before modern man. Mars is known as the ‘Red Planet’ for its brilliant colour and appearance. Experts suggest that life existed on Mars; however as the planet warmed it could not support the species on it.  In conclusion modern scientists and astronauts will likely continue to study and travel to Mars to learn all they can about it and our solar system.

Goodyear and NASA collaborated to create the perfect tyre for the hot, rocky, ground of Mars and the moon. The tyre consists of 800 load bearing springs and metallic mesh to help it cope with space conditions. The springs allow people to use the tyres even if they are punctured as they adjust it until it is replaced with a new one.  NASA knows that it will not be satisfied until it has the best tyres available.

These tyres need to adjust to that they and their users do not feel on earth. They can adapt to any surface they are expected to drive over. These tyres are mechanically superior to those that are use for earth road and off road conditions. Experts check to ensure that the standard is maintained to prevent tyre problems in space. NASA will likely conduct final tests before using them on Martian soil. Goodyear is often seen as a great tyre business which suggests that it was likely chosen for its quality products and service.

Regular tyres do not need as much care and attention to detail and as specialised ones. Standard tyres can be fixed at a local garage whereas NASA tyres cannot. If these special tyres are punctured they will likely remain flexible as other springs compensate for the damaged one. The rubber is specifically designed to cope with extreme conditions such as the Martian heat. Greater exposure to ultra violet (UV) radiation suggests that standard tyres would be even more vulnerable to wear and tear than they are on earth. Spring loads were added to the tyres to give them extra traction as this strengthens and protects them from harm.

NASA knows that it cannot afford to provide its astronauts with poor quality tyres which suggest that it needed to design a reliable tyre to prevent problems in space. Experts collaborated with Goodyear to create the ideal tyre for space exploration. They know that their astronauts cannot go to the nearest garage for help as they can with regular tyres. It consists of springs which provide flexibility and compensate if one is damaged. Attention to detail is essential to ensure safety and a successful mission. These tyres are more expensive are more expensive that standard ones. In conclusion space tyres are tougher than regular ones as they need to withstand the harsh Martian conditions.

Comparisons are often made between Mars and Earth to understand both planets. They are similar in many ways; however, they are also very different. The ‘Red Planet’ has polar ice caps, dark as well as brighter areas which resemble our own. Whether is often determined by seasonal patterns as they are on Earth. The planet also has other geographical features which are similar to our own. They include; canyons, volcanoes, rock ground and more.

Mars consists of every colour you could possibly think of. They include; pink, red, yellow, orange and butterscotch. Scientists often compare Mars’ colours with those of other planets such as ours. Studies show that the planet’s reddish colour is the result of dust from the atmosphere.

The ‘Red Planet’ is about the size of the ‘Blue one’. It consists of substances which reach the surface over time. Volcanic activity likely occurred in the planet’s early history. Eventually the activity stopped leaving the volcanoes dormant and inactive. This resulted in iron oxide dust on the surface. The lack of vegetation suggests that dust storms are common on Mars. These storms are similar to those on Earth and will likely cause soil erosion over time.

Experts suggest that Mars has a mantle around its core consisting of soft rock paste. The planet’s crust can be any where from 50km to 125 km thick. It is thicker than Earth’s crust which is about 40km thick. Studies suggest that the core rotates, rather than remaining still. Lack of water suggests that extinction was inevitable as the planet could not support it.

Comparisons are often made to help scientists to understand both Mars and Earth. They are similar; however, there are also many differences such as their ability to support life. Mars’ whether is dictated by seasonal patterns. Mars consists of many colours such as pink, red, yellow, orange and butter scotch. Volcanic activity was common; however, it stopped and left them dormant. Geographical features include; mountains, canyons, inactive volcanoes and hard ground. Experts claim that life was vulnerable and it was delaying the inevitable. Dust storms are common as there is no vegetation to hold the soil together. In conclusion Mars will likely remain the same for the foreseeable future.

• Scientists suggest that Mars is cold as it is further from the sun than Earth. The planet is 141 million miles away from sun. It is likely that Mars cannot support life as its atmosphere is has higher carbon dioxide than Earth.
• Astronomers suggest that Mars was not always as harsh as it is today. It was similar to Earth as it had rivers, streams and lakes; however, the carbon levels became too much for anything to survive. Despite these difficulties exploration continues as experts suggest that Mars will likely become our home as earth becomes uninhabitable.
• Life would likely struggle to function as Mars’ atmosphere is thinner than Earth’s. Studies show that there is little protect from ultra violet radiation on Mars as there is on Earth. This suggests that living organisms would likely die through lack of oxygen.
• Mars’ atmosphere consists of 95% carbon dioxide with small amounts of oxygen, water, methane and other gases. The discovery of methane led scientists to suggest that some species could survive and flourish on Mars. As Mars does not have plant life on it dust rises and fills the atmosphere making the sky a rusty colour.
• Mars consists of a lower, middle and upper atmosphere. The temperature gradually decreases as the sun penetrates the planet’s regions. The Exosphere is the highest and warmest region of the planet as it is closest to the sun. Temperature also varies during winter as the lower regions suffer colder whether than the upper ones.
• Mars evolved over time from a watery planet to its current form. Experts tell us that the planet only has vapour in the upper regions of the atmosphere. It is likely that Mars supported an abundance of wildlife as it consisted of fresh water for everything. As the planet warmed the water dried up leaving a bright red surface.

Mars has captured people’s imagination with novels such as ‘War of the Worlds’ as it uses scientific facts to suit its readers. The temperature ranges from -140 degrees C to 70.7 degrees C throughout the year. Mars is colder than Earth as it is further away from the sun. The planet’s atmosphere consists of 95% carbon dioxide which makes it difficult for life to survive on it. The planet consists of a lower, middle and upper region. As Mars does not have plant life dust rises to the sky making it a rusty red colour. In conclusion exploration will likely continue as scientists conduct studies to see if we can live on Mars.

Less mass suggests that Mars’s gravity is also less than Earth’s. This suggests that a person or object that is 100 pounds on Earth will likely weigh 38 pounds on Mars. It is important to know the difference between weight and mass to appreciate Mars’s physical characteristics. Gravity does not equate to size as Mercury has greater gravity, yet it is smaller than Mars. People often think that they will loose weight when they are in space; however, it will likely stay the same. They often feel lighter as they float in the air.

Scientists suggest that as Mars is further away from the sun its orbital period is longer than Earth’s. They calculate it as 687 Earth days. Experts claim that seasons are similar to our own except that they are twice as long. This suggests that Mars has a yearly cycle that we would understand. The whether conditions will likely change as the ‘Red Planet’ adapts as its movements increase. Mars’s gravitational force constantly changes at it orbits the solar system. This activity affects the other planets including Earth by decreasing the distance between Earth and Mars will likely decrease over the next 25 000 years. Mars will likely move more quickly as the distance between it and the other planets narrows. Its surface will likely change as its rotational patterns change.

The planet has two moons known which are considered to be asteroids. It is likely that they evolved over time until they were discovered. Scientists have never confirmed this theory; however, it is possible and should be used until proven otherwise. The moons continue to move towards the other planets as they also orbit the solar system.

Experts study and compare Mars’s ability to orbit our solar system with Earth’s. Mars has many known physical characteristics such as size, mass, density and gravitational pull. Mars is a tenth of the size of Earth while its moons are 4/5 the size of our planet’s. The moons are considered to be natural asteroids; however, this theory has not been confirmed. The planet’s orbital period is longer than Earth’s as it is further away from the sun. Its gravitational constantly changes as it orbits the solar system. In conclusion Mars will likely move more quickly as the distance between it and the other planets decreases. They will move towards the other planets as they orbit the solar system.

Scientists suggest that about two-thirds of the surface is brightly coloured. They are similar to Earth as they are a reddish colour. A third of the surface consists of dark colours which change depending on the season. The other third likely has polar caps which are similar to Earth’s.

Mars also has rocky, desolate areas which are similar to Earth’s. Valles Marineris is the largest known canyon in our solar system. It is four times deeper than the Grand Canyon as it stretches across the United States. Experts tell us that it is so long that one end experiences day light while the other is in darkness. The area resembles the Red Sea, Gulf of California and the Great Rift Valley of Africa. It is likely that they Valles Marineris evolved as the crust broke apart. Experts suggest that Mars was a massive ocean in ancient times.

In 1877 criss-crossed lines were noticed in Mars’ dark region. Schiaparelli described them as channels; however, changed to canal when translated from Italian to English. This led to the mistaken belief that Mars had canals running through its Maria. Experts suggest that the channels likely provided water for life to inhabit the planet. This does not guarantee that life existed on Mars; however, fresh water usually suggests that an area can and does support life. These channels are not the result of Martian ingenuity. They likely result from geothermal heating or groundwater sapping. Geothermal heating occurs when water rises up and erodes the soil into channels. Groundwater sapping often occurs in arid areas as permafrost is exposed to light and heat they melt forming channels in the area.

Experts often debate whether people could survive on Mars. Mars is similar to Earth in many ways; however, it is also very different in others. It resembles Earth more than the other planets in our solar system. The planet has three regions which consist of bright and dark colored regions, as well as polar caped ones. Mars has rocky, arid areas which are similar to Earth’s Valles Marineris is a Canyon which is far wider and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. It is so wide that part of it experiences daylight while the other part is in darkness. In conclusion experts suggest that the channels provide water to support and allow life to inhabit the planet.

Who Is The Mayan Mars?

The Mayan Mars is depicted in ancient engravings as a long nosed monster or animal, hanging from a band that stretches across the sky. It appears to be descending down to earth nose-first. In other places, Mars is depicted in what appears to be a regular human form.

The Mayans And The Wandering Star

The god Mars wasn’t as important to the Mayans as the planet was. Mars the god only appears a few times in Mayan mythology, and his role does not seem to have been a big one. However, the Mayans were able to keep track of Mars’ peculiar orbit better than anyone else on earth.

Egyptians called Mars “the wandering star.” Mars has always baffled ancient astronomers because of its apparent backward motion. Every 25 months or so, it seems to slow down, stop, and start heading the other way. To ancient people, who believed the celestial bodies traveled around the earth, this was strange. This is one reason why Mars has always fascinated people.

The Mayans were the first to figure out Mars’ orbit. In the Dresden Codex, they created a Mars calendar that is accurate to the day. They didn’t know why Mars traveled backwards, but they knew when it would. The Mayans understood perfectly Mars’ relationship with the other celestial bodies.

Mars doesn’t actually travel backwards. Modern astronomy has shown us that Mars’ orbit around the sun is simply slower than the earth’s. Once every 25 months, the earth passes Mars up, and it appears to go backward. It is called “retrograde motion” and other planets do it as well, but less often.

The Mayans-Mars Connection

The Mayan civilization had an uncanny knack for studying the stars and creating perfect calendars. They were the first in the world to figure out that the year has 365 days. This detailed knowledge of the solar system, as well as other supposed evidence, has led many to believe that the Mayans are descendents of an ancient race from Mars.

It sounds like science fiction, but the theory is based on the 1968 bestseller Chariots of the Gods by Erik Von Daniken. The book says that Martians fled their dying planet and came to the earth, the closest planet. It’s a wild theory, but as more evidence of ancient rivers and oceans on Mars emerge, it gains popularity.

Pyramids And UFOs

Others believe there is a Mars-Egypt connection. They believe that the pyramids at Giza were built by extraterrestrials, and they consider the 1976 discovery of what appear to be pyramids and a Sphinx-like face on Mars to be further evidence. Supposedly, these aliens gave the Egyptians superior technology with which to build the pyramids, and the pyramids were used to generate power.

All strange theories aside, the Mayans were the keenest observers of the stars, and of all ancient peoples, they were the most astute at charting Mars’ path.

As far as we know, the planet Mars was first noticed during the time of the Babylonians. They called Mars Nergal, which means the great hero, the king of conflicts. The Babylonians were great astronomers, they watched the stars closely and were able to predict eclipses. They were well aware of different phenomenas but never bothered to explain them. They observed the sky for keeping records and for religious purposes.

THE EGYPTIANS

The Egyptians named Mars Har Decher – the red one. They were the first to notice that the stars and the sun seems to be fixed. They also noticed 5 glowing objects in the sky, that we soon found out to be Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn.

THE ROMANS AND GREEKS

During this time of myths and Gods, Mars was known as the God of War. The Romans worshipped Mars and even provided sacrifices, they would seek the guidance of Mars especially in times of war.

The Symbol of Mars.

The Greeks referred to Mars as Ares.

In Greek mythology, Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera. Some people regarded him as a killer while some sees him as a savior and father of victory.

During the 1500′s Nicolaus Copernicus theorized that the Earth and the other planets revolves around the sun, contrary to the belief that the Earth is the center of the solar system. He provided a mathematical evidence that suggests the sun to be the center of the solar system. This is an amazing theory that was formulated two hundred years before the telescope was invented.

Tyco Brahe, a Danish astronomer who made an accurate calculation of the position Mars, aslo 200 years before the telescope was invented. He calculated that Mars is within 4 minutes of arc. He formulated this theory in his observatory in Hven, near Coppenhagen.

1600 – The 1600′s was a difficult time for scientists. The church was very particular in their beliefs and are not accepting any changes. Any theory that contradicts the churches beliefs are shrugged and any person contradicting the church is persecuted. Just like Galileo Galilei who was a believer of the Copernican theory. Galileo published a book called Siderius Nuncius (Starry Messenger), which was in contradiction with the church’s beliefs, and got tried and found guilty of heresy. Galileo Galilei was also the first scientist to have observed Mars using a telecope.

1609 – Johannes kepler publishes Astronomia Nova, which contains the laws of planetary motion. In his first law, based on brahes findings, he calculated that Mars has an elliptical orbit. In contrary to the belief that all orbits must be circular.

1659 – Christiaan Huygens theorized that Mars also has a 24 hour period. This is because during his observations, he saw a spot on Mars that seemed to appear at the same time of the day. Huygens was also the first to notice the southern polar caps in 1672. In 1698, Huygens published the book Cosmotheros which details the components needed for a planet to support life. It was also on this book that he explored the possibility of extraterrestrials.

1666 – Giovanni Cassini determines Mars’ day period as 24 hours and 40 minutes.

1700 – During this time scientists enjoyed greater freedom in exploring the solar system. Newton built the first reflector to be used in a telescope. Sir William Herschel, who was an innovator, realizing that larger telescopes are hard to manage built one for himself. He created some of the most advanced telescopes during that time.

1704 – Giancomo Miraldi discovered white spots in Mars. In 1719, he correctly thought if the white spots were ice caps.

1727 – Jonathan Swift’s Gullivers Travels, talks about 2 Martian moons. It could be just a coincidence but we know for a fact that Mars does have 2 moons.

1777-1784 Sir William Herschel, using the telescopes he built, studied Mars and believed that it was inhabited by an intelligent lifeform. He declared Mars’ tilt to be 30 degrees, which is very close to the actual tilt of 25.19 degrees. He assumed that the dark spots in Mars were oceans but later corrected when a faint star passed closely by Mars and its brightness had no effect on the supposed ocean.