So, Mars. For the NASA mission, today is the day! I posted on Mars yesterday to give you time to download any apps, plan your landing watch party (socially distanced, of course!), and look up your nearest Krispy Kreme.
Are you ready? Curiosity is! Look at the little guy waving;)
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Mission home: Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover – NASA Mars
Where to watch: Watch Online: Mars Landing – NASA Mars
Fingers crossed, but no matter what happens, it’s an exciting day in space!
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Why is Mars red, anyway?
For the same reason that so many of our barns are red: iron oxide. It’s a common compound, both here and on Mars. We use it for paint and our planetary core, among other things, but Mars is a little different. First, of course, there’s no Sherwin-Williams on Mars, but also:
Whereas the bulk of Earth’s iron sank to its core when the planet was young and molten, NASA scientists think Mars’ smaller size (and weaker gravity) allowed it to remain less differentiated. It does have an iron core, but abundant iron exists in its upper layers, also.…The planet’s bloody tinge — visible even from millions of miles away — got it strapped with the name of the Roman god of war, while other civilizations also named the planet for what was once its main distinguishing feature. The Egyptians called it “Her Desher,” meaning “the red one,” while ancient Chinese astronomers went with “the fire star.”
— Why Is Mars Red? | Space
More fun Mars Facts: Mars Facts | All About Mars – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program
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