do you think the reddish color of Mars is caused by iron oxide?

Answer 1

Yes. It is caused largely by iron oxides, specifically ferric oxide, Fe_2O_3 (as opposed to ferrous oxide, FeO.) I remember when the first color Viking pictures came back, my mother commented that it looked rather like the reddish clays of NC where we lived at the time. Those clays themselves are iron oxide laden, but don't take my word for it, wikipedia agrees too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars#Geology

Answer 2

Everyone has excellent answers. When probes have takencolor photographs of Mars, the sky appears a pinkish-tan color. This is the result of the iron rich dust particles, which are whipped up from the surface by Martian winds, and are almost always present in the atmoshphere. However, when the dust subsides the Martian sky changes to a dark blue. I hoped this help elaborate a little more.

Answer 3

I don't *think* its caused by iron oxides - spectral analysis and samples of Martian soil analyzed by the Viking landers and the Rovers show that the soil contains significant amount of iron oxide. So scientists (and we) know.

Answer 4

Yes, Mars is covered with rust as most of its oxygen has combined with the iron on its surface. Easy to prove by spectroscopy, and now by direct analysis on the Rovers.

Answer 5

It is caused by iron oxide.

Answer 6

YES, I DO.

That idea is supported by Ian Ridpath, author of ASTRONOMY, DK Publishing, NY, NY.

Answer 7

yup its rust