Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, lifeless, deserted and cold. However, it is quite possible that in the near future it will become a second home for people. It is Mars that scientists consider as the main object for colonization, since it has the most suitable conditions for human life in comparison with other planets of the solar system. With high hopes pinned on Mars, scientists are closely watching and studying it. It is currently the most studied planet in the solar system after Earth. Numerous orbital stations, as well as rovers and other rovers that move around the planet, help her study. They study the surface of the soil, weather phenomena, and also collect solid useful information for scientists. Thanks to this, it was possible to get answers to many questions and riddles. Nevertheless, many facts are unknown to the general public, and yet they are worthy of attention. Therefore, here is a selection of the five most interesting and non-obvious facts about the red planet, which you should familiarize yourself with.
Want to lose weight - go to Mars
Many people mistakenly believe that Mars is comparable in size to Earth. In fact, the diameter of the Earth is 12,742 km, and Mars is 6,792 km. That is, the red planet is about half the size. And by weight, it is less than the Earth by about ten times. Accordingly, its gravitational field is also much weaker.
The weight of a person on Mars is significantly less than on Earth
Therefore, the weight of a person on Mars is 62% less than on Earth. For example, if a person who weighs 100 kg on Earth goes to the red planet and takes scales with him, then their arrow will show only 38 kg here. In this regard, a person on Mars can jump three times higher than on Earth. Sandstorms with a speed of 30-40 m / s can be a real danger.
You can live on Mars, but not for long
If a person is on Mars without a spacesuit, he will be destined to live for about 10 seconds. And the reason for this is not at all the lack of oxygen, without it, since without it you can live longer. The reason is low pressure, no magnetic field, and temperature, which can drop to -140 degrees. True, if a person is lucky, he may find himself in an area where the temperature will be quite comfortable - about +20 - +25 degrees.
Without a spacesuit, a person can stay on Mars for no more than 7-10 seconds
However, ultra-low pressure will still cause irreversible processes in the circulatory system, which will quickly lead to paralysis and death. As for oxygen, it is present in small quantities on Mars. However, in order to fill the body with the same amount of oxygen as with one earthly breath, 14,500 breaths will have to be taken on Mars. This is because more than 90-95% of the atmosphere is carbon dioxide. In addition, the density of the atmosphere is much lower than on Earth.
Mars can be populated with microorganisms
There are microorganisms on Earth that can feel quite comfortable on Mars. These include the blue-green algae cyanobacteria. By the way, scientists suggest that they will help create a life support system for people in the future.
In the meantime, Mars is the only planet in the solar system that is inhabited by robots. Moreover, their number will only increase now. The Chinese have already joined NASA's rovers. In addition to the "living" vehicles, those who were unlucky with the landing are buried here.
Mars has no fresh liquid water
There can be no liquid fresh water on Mars, and no saline solutions of H2O have yet been found. However, scientists suggest that it may well be, at least, as a temporary phenomenon during the warming period, when the temperature rises to 20-25 degrees. It is also possible that there is water below the surface of the soil.
Scientists suggest that earlier the entire surface of Mars was covered with liquid water. However, over time, she disappeared. The reasons for this may be different, as I have already talked about.
The largest volcano in the solar system
The largest volcanoes and highest mountains are on Mars
Mars is home to the highest mountain in the solar system. Its height is 27 km. For comparison, the height of the tallest mountain on Earth, which is located in Hawaii, is about 10 km.
In addition, Mars is home to the largest volcanoes in the solar system. They are located in the province of Tarsis. This is an incredibly large highland. Its total area reaches 30 million square kilometers, which is comparable to the area of Africa. And the mass of volcanic deposits here is so great that it could even lead to a shift in the axis of the planet, as shown by the calculations of scientists.