Exploring Mars: Discovering Water on the Red Planet

Mars is about 80 million kilometers farther from the Sun than Earth, making it much colder, with surface temperatures ranging from -30 to -150 degrees Celsius. Despite being smaller, Mars has a thin atmosphere mostly composed of carbon dioxide and a surface covered with iron-rich deposits. Over the years, various probes have been sent to Mars, significantly enhancing our understanding of the planet. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has mapped its surface in detail, revealing craters and signs of weathering. Scientists suspect Mars had an active past, with images suggesting water once flowed on its surface. In 2003, the Rovers Spirit and Opportunity explored Mars, finding features resembling dry lake beds. 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 Mars' distance from the Sun affect its surface temperature?

• It makes Mars warmer than Earth.

• It has no effect on Mars' temperature.

• It makes Mars much colder than Earth.

• It causes Mars to have extreme heat waves.

What is the primary component of Mars' atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

• Hydrogen

What did the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reveal about Mars' surface?

• It showed no signs of craters.

• It revealed detailed maps with craters and weathering signs.

• It discovered new Martian life forms.

• It found evidence of active volcanoes.

What did the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers discover in 2003?

• Evidence of active volcanoes

• Signs of dry lake beds

• New Martian species

• A new type of rock

What significant discovery did the Phoenix Rover make in 2008?

• It confirmed the presence of water on Mars.

• It discovered a new type of rock.

• It found new life forms.

• It detected active volcanoes.