2 pieces

Mars doesn’t have a large moon like Earth, but it does have two small satellites. Their names are Phobos and Deimos. Both are small and irregularly shaped, and they orbit slowly around Mars.

Nozomi

In 1998 (Heisei 10), Japan launched its first spacecraft bound for Mars, named “Nozomi.” Nozomi was a Mars probe developed by Japan’s space agency (then ISAS: the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) and garnered significant attention as Japan’s first Mars mission. Although it unfortunately failed to enter Mars orbit, it was an important challenge that has a lasting place in the history of Japan’s space exploration.

there is / to exist / to have

Mars also has the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Because its axis is tilted, it experiences seasonal changes just like Earth.

carbon dioxide

The atmosphere of Mars is composed mainly of carbon dioxide. Unlike Earth’s atmosphere, it contains very little oxygen. Therefore, humans cannot breathe on Mars as is. Also, because the atmosphere is very thin, the Martian surface is cold and dry.

Mount Olympus

The highest mountain on Mars is Olympus Mons. Its height is an astonishing approximately 22,000 meters (22 km), about 2.5 times that of Everest, the tallest on Earth! Olympus Mons is also known as the highest mountain in the solar system and has a volcano-like shape. It is believed to have formed through ancient volcanic activity.

about 687 days

A year on Mars (the time it takes to go once around the Sun) is about 687 days. Because Mars is farther from the Sun and takes longer, its year is longer than Earth's.

Because the soil is red.

The reason Mars looks red is that the soil on its surface is red. Martian soil and rocks contain a lot of iron oxide, which has a reddish color. It’s similar to how rusty iron turns reddish-brown. Because of this red soil, Mars appears to shine red when seen from Earth.