Go to: > InsectBot Home > Learn About Mars
Mars is such an intriguing environment and humans have been so curious to learn more about it for years now. We have developed machines especially designed to explore such a hostile environment as Mars and have made incredible discoveries.
One of the main characteristics to know about Mars is that it is very cold. The average temperature on Mars is minus 27 degrees Celsius — way below freezing! Its surface is rocky, with canyons, volcanoes, dry lake beds and craters all over it. Red dust covers most of its surface which is why people call it the Red Planet.
Mars is home to the highest mountain in our solar system –– a volcano called Olympus Mons. Standing a whopping 24 kilometres high, it’s about three times the height of Mount Everest!
Watch the following video to learn more…
Video: All About Mars
Books can also be a great source of information and you don’t necessarily have to buy one as most towns in Aotearoa have libraries. Jackie Golusky book ‘Explore Mars’ will give you a good insight on Mars so get to your library today!
David’s passion for space came more than 40 years ago and he bought his first telescope at 14 years old!
Kia ora David,
Where does your passion for space come from?
“My passion for space / astronomy was sparked by my father sharing his interest in astronomy with me from a young age. I remember when one of his friends brought a telescope around one night and we looked at the Moon. I used to spend many hours outside watching the night sky, counting satellites and meteors (shooting stars). I bought my first telescope when I was 14 years old. “
According to you, what are the most interesting facts you learned about space?
1. All of the planets in our solar system could fit between the Earth and the Moon.
2. Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, not Mercury.
3. One day on Venus (243 Earth days) is longer than one year on Venus (225 Earth days).
4. 1.3 million Earths would fit inside the Sun
5. In space, no one can hear you scream! “
Which website or video would you recommend for rangatahi to learn about mars?
“Here are a couple of websites and a video that are good for you to learn about Mars.”
Website: Solar System Exploration – Mars
Website: Mars: Fact Sheet
Video: What you need to know about Mars
Go to: > InsectBot Home > Learn About Mars