Mars

The 4th Planet

Facts & Figures

Since the 16th century, learned men have recognized Mars for what it is-a relatively nearby planet not so unlike our own. The fourth planet from the sun and Earth’s closest neighbor, Mars has been the subject of modern scientists’ careful scrutiny with powerful telescopes, deep space probes, and orbiting spacecraft. In 1976, Earth-bound scientists were brought significantly closer to their subject of investigation when two Viking landers touched down on that red soil. The possibility of life on Mars, clues to the evolution of the solar system, fascination with the chemistry, geology, and meteorology of another planet have drawn us closer to this red planet than we’ve ever been. (from NASA SP-4212)