Exploring Mars: Discovering Water on the Red Planet

Mars is 80 million km further from the Sun than Earth, making it much colder with temperatures ranging from -30 to -150 degrees Celsius. Despite its smaller size, Mars has a thin atmosphere mostly of carbon dioxide and a surface rich in iron deposits. Over recent decades, probes have greatly expanded our understanding of Mars, revealing signs of weathering and past water flow. In 2003, the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers found features resembling dry lake beds, suggesting water once existed. The Mars Odyssey probe indicated ice beneath the surface, and in 2008, the Phoenix Rover confirmed the presence of water near the Martian North Pole.

How does the distance of Mars from the Sun affect its climate?

• It makes Mars warmer than Earth.

• It results in a similar climate to Earth.

• It has no effect on Mars' climate.

• It causes Mars to have colder temperatures.

What is the primary component of Mars' atmosphere?

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Hydrogen

What have probes like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter revealed about Mars?

• Mars has no craters.

• Mars is covered in water.

• Mars has detailed surface maps.

• Mars has a thick atmosphere.

What did the Spirit and Opportunity rovers discover on Mars?

• Flowing rivers

• Thick forests

• Active volcanoes

• Dry lake beds

What significant discovery did the Phoenix Rover make near the Martian North Pole?

• New Martian species

• Presence of liquid water

• Existence of Martian life

• Water ice beneath the surface