solar system
planet (inner)
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Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. It is the second smallest planet in the Solar System after Mercury.
Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere. The rotational period of the planet and seasonal cycles of Mars are similar to those found on Earth. The largest volcano in our Solar System is also found on Mars and is named Olympus Mons, it is 21 km tall.
Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos which are however quite small and irregularly shaped.
Liquid water cannot exist on the surface of the planet due to the low atmospheric pressure, which is less than 1% of Earth’s. However the 2 polar ice caps appear to be made largely of water.
Mars can easily be seen from Earth with the naked eye, as can its reddish coloring.
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Image information:
Object info
Name: Mars
Type: Planet (inner)
Constellation: n/a
Perihelion/Aphelion: 1.38 and 1.66 AU (1 AU = 149.6 million km)
Orbital period: 1.88 yr
Equatorial radius: 0.53 Earths
Mass: 0.10 Earths
Eq. surface gravity: 0.37 G
Sidereal rotation period: 24h37m22s
Satellites: 2
Date & location
Date: March 7, 2004
Location: Landgraaf, The Netherlands
Equipment & optics
Total integration: 27 x 1/8 sec @ ISO100
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 5700
Optics: Meade 10″ f4.5 Starfinder Newton
Mount: Meade Starfinder Mount
Image comments
Image taken during a moment of exceptional seeing between 02:30h and 03:30h