Aurora
Tuning into the cosmos…
LoadingAurora
Tuning into the cosmos…
LoadingTerrestrial planet
A cold desert world with the solar system's largest volcano (Olympus Mons) and a canyon that would stretch across the United States. Rovers and orbiters have shown it once had rivers, lakes and a thicker atmosphere — and may still hide water underground.
At a glance
Why it's fascinating
The rover is sealing rock cores for a future Mars Sample Return — the first material brought back from another planet.
Radar and seismic data hint at briny water or ice deep beneath the surface.
NASA's helicopter made the first powered flights on another world before retiring after 70+ sorties.
Moons
Mars has two small moons, Phobos and Deimos — likely captured asteroids; Phobos is slowly spiralling inward.
All named moons · 2 listed
Photos
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