Quick facts about Mars
Where it is: 142 million miles (228 million kilometers) from the sun, on average
How big it is: 4,222 miles (6,795 km) wide, about half the diameter of Earth
How long a day lasts: 24.6 hours
How long a year lasts: 669.6 Martian days (sols), or 687 Earth days
Atmosphere: Extremely thin, about 95% carbon dioxide
Temperature: Minus 225 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 143 to 20 degrees Celsius)
Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, is a dry, rocky world. Its famous red color has earned it the nickname the Red Planet. Mars has fascinated people throughout history, and today, it is one of the most explored places in the solar system, with many rovers and orbiters searching the planet for evidence of past or present life.
