Planet Mars: characteristics, life on the planet and more –

The planet Mars is the second smallest planet in the solar system, second only to the planet Mercury. Furthermore, it is the fourth planet closest to the Sun, neighboring Earth, which gives it very unique characteristics and makes man dream of living there one day.

Therefore, it is good to understand all the mysteries, possibilities and challenges that the planet offers us. Although it’s unlikely, one day the planet could be your new home. LOL

Then see all the curiosities about the planet Mars: whether in astronomy, astrology or even mythology!

What are the characteristics of the planet Mars?

Our neighboring planet is the last rocky planet in the Solar system, accompanied (in order of proximity to the king star) by Mercury, Venus and Earth.

In fact, its distance from the Sun is 228 million km, which makes its characteristics similar to those of our planet in some aspects. After all, it is neither so close nor so far that the heat (or lack thereof) makes life unviable.

With about half the size of the Earth (6,794 in diameter), its rotational movement is very similar to ours (23h, 56 minutes and 41 seconds) and has 24 hours and 37 minutes.

The translational movement of the planet Mars (i.e., the Martian year) lasts 687 Earth days.

Its surface has a reddish color, due to the large presence of iron oxide. Because of this, it is also known as the “red planet” or “Red Star”.

Therefore, we can often see the planet with the naked eye from here, as if it were a very bright red star.

Is there life on the planet Mars?

Firstly, life on Mars was possible, but there is still no proof that it actually existed.

This is because its atmosphere was denser, allowing the existence of liquid water, making the maintenance of life possible around 3.8 billion years ago.

However, its surface became increasingly thinner, becoming 95% composed of carbon dioxide (the famous CO2), also containing the presence of nitrogen, oxygen, argon and other gases.

As for temperatures, they range from a maximum of 25°C in summer, while in winter they can reach 140°C.

Therefore, nowadays we find water on the planet which, like ours, has valleys, plains and plateaus. However, it is stored in polar ice caps, located on its surface and also underground.

Is it possible to live on Mars?

Above all, the average surface temperature is around -63°C and although the radiation problems could theoretically be solved by special clothing, we would also have to deal with the high concentration of carbon dioxide.

In addition to the fact that we do not know exactly whether obtaining water and developing life there would be possible to generate food and subsistence for Earthlings.

In order to investigate more about all the aspects that permeate the discussion of life on Mars, NASA sent another probe to the planet, the Perseverance.

It should land in the Jazero crater in February 2021, where a river supposedly ran 4 billion years ago, in search of microorganisms, in other words… evidence and possibilities of life.

Influence of Mars on signs

Astrologically speaking, the planet Mars is also ruler of a Zodiac sign: Aries.

The planet Mars represents impulsiveness, energy and challenges.

Likewise, it rules the 1st house of our birth chart, which is responsible for our identity (which is why it is where our rising sign is), and how the world sees us. Therefore, it is also known as “House of Me”.

The influence of Mars on the astral chart is that it is how we direct our initiative, and is also an indicator of our sexual impulses.

Furthermore, it indicates leadership and impatience, innate characteristics of the sign it rules – Aries.

While the planet Venus represents femininity, Mars is responsible for masculinity and aggressiveness. Just like Venus, its astrological symbol was adopted by biology – this time representing the masculine:

Mars in Mythology

The planet Mars is the equivalent of Ares in Greek mythology. Son of Zeus and Hera (protector of marriages and fertility), Ares was known as the god of bloody war. Meanwhile, her sister Athena was the goddess of wisdom, strategic and diplomatic battles and this created great rivalry between the two.

All versions of mythology indicate that Venus (or Aphrodite) maintained an extramarital relationship with Mars, who was her main lover.

From this burning passion between the gods several children emerged, including Cupid, Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror). It is interesting to note that these last two names were, in reality, used to characterize the two moons that are satellites of the planet Mars.

The name may be associated with the fierce and impulsive Greek god, referring to the blood spilled in his battles and which is the tone that the star presents himself.

Alignment of the planets in the solar system

Now that you know a little more about the interesting information about the planet Mars, how about giving yourself or someone else a map of the planets? Calm down, we’ll explain!

It is the exact representation of how the planets in the solar system were aligned on a specific date, which could be in the past or future. You can even customize the model, colors and add a special message!

The result is a beautiful image, as well as a creative, unique and special gift.

Bring the universe a little closer to you or surprise someone special. Show what the sky was like in a unique moment, such as the day of your birth or some notable achievement. ?

Create your planet map right now and have the planet Mars at your fingertips!