2006-10-02 17:58:28 · 15 answers · asked by deepa p 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The red/orange appearance of Mars' surface is caused by iron(III) oxide (rust). Mars has half the radius of the Earth and only one-tenth the mass, being less dense, but its surface area is only slightly less than the total area of Earth's dry land. While Mars is larger and more massive than Mercury, Mercury has slightly stronger gravity at the surface, due to its much higher density.
2006-10-03 19:06:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The planet Mars is red because of the red rusted iron dust particles in its atmosphere.....The soil of Mars is red as well......this concept is totally wrong that Mars is NOT red because of scattered light - like on earth. The planet Mars has a much thinner atmosphere. Scattered light is much less of a factor on Mars. .....The generally accepted explanation that liquid water rusted its rocks is also wrong. Lab experiments suggest that the planet's reddish colour came from a dusting of tiny meteors falling on the surface. ....The mineral that gives the planet its colour is a reddish iron oxide. Until now, astronomers thought that it probably formed in a chain of chemical reactions as iron in rocks dissolved into pools and rivers on the warm young planet..the minerals actually came from the small, metal-rich meteors and dust particles that constantly fall onto Mars Calculations and they deposit 5 centimetres of surface layer every billion years.........so,
Meteors not water coloured Mars red
..
2006-10-02 18:29:40 · answer #2 · answered by pari 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep...because it's rusty!
That little rover thingy Nasa put on Mars analyzed some rocks and found high levels of iron in them...which was also found in meteorites here on earth, scientists reckon that many years ago Mars must have been quite warm and wet...and that moisture in the air affected the minerals. Pure iron weathers over time to make rust. And iron-rich rocks can weather to make reddish, rust-like minerals.
So thats why scientists think there was life on Mars cos it may have had similar atmosphere / environment to Earth.
2006-10-02 18:10:22 · answer #3 · answered by mildly_adiktiv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ground of mars is red dust. Kind of makes you wonder if mars doesn't have metals under the surface.
2006-10-02 18:01:33 · answer #4 · answered by snowwwplowerrr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The color of Mars is from Ferrous compounds (iron) but it was alluded to from legends as Mars was the God of War (and his partner was Venus...the goddess of love) and Red was considered a masculine color of fury and anger.
2006-10-02 18:07:56 · answer #5 · answered by Frank 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iron oxide deposits, better known to us as rust. But I prefer the roman god of war, mars, being the reason.
2006-10-02 18:05:08 · answer #6 · answered by gone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The red appearance of Mars' surface is caused by iron(III) oxide (rust or hydrated oxide of iron).
2006-10-03 20:05:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This planet also called God of War because of its red color has iron-rich deposits and dust.
2006-10-02 18:05:59 · answer #8 · answered by DarkBeauty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since it is very near to the sun because of this it is very hot and red in colour
2006-10-02 18:22:19 · answer #9 · answered by siya 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Due to presence of iron oxide...also known as rust.
2006-10-02 19:19:55 · answer #10 · answered by a_zx2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋