Martian Atmosphere
The Martian atmosphere contains about 95.3% carbon dioxide (CO2), 2.7% nitrogen and contains other gasses. Conversely, it is has a very thin atmosphere that is approximately 100 times less dense than Earth's atmosphere.
As mentioned above, it was used to be believed that Mars had a similar atmosphere like Earth's and that if we could find a way to travel to Mars we would be able to breathe the Martian air. The elements in the Martian air include 95% Carbon Dioxide, 3% nitrogen and traces of oxygen and water. The density of the Martian atmosphere is only 1% of Earth’s.
Compared to Earth, Mars’ sky is pinkish-orange because its dust particles light even more. It is believed that dust particles are suspended in the atmosphere all the time. The presence of all that dust would further extend the sunlight giving the Martian sky that unique colour.
Mars’ density is so low that the carbon dioxide creates only a minor greenhouse effect. Also, Mars is very cold; therefore, water crystals and clouds of dry ice (frozen CO2) float about in the Martian atmosphere.
The winds in Mars are created by air that is being heated around the surface, this air then rises and moves towards the poles. This is also the same process of winds on Earth. The planet's rotation causes the Coriolis effect, which bounces the winds so that they blow around the planet nearly parallel to the equator. Martian winds are usually a gentle breeze, although, they can sometimes rise to storm. Storms occur each season near the poles. They are created when winds pick up a large amount of dust off the surface which sometime causes the entire planet to have a giant dust storm.
Even though there are water crystals in the Martian atmosphere, no rain ever falls on Mars. This is because the atmosphere is too cold and there is not enough water in them to produce rain. There is a small quantity of water in the atmosphere that if all of it were to fall at once, it would make a layer less than 1/2000th of 2.5 cm thick. I KNOW! ISN'T THAT A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER!
Even though there is such a small quantity of water, fogs do form in some valleys. Also, on really cold nights there is frost. Around the poles, there is also carbon dioxide snow!
Interesting Fact: If Mars did not have an atmosphere, images taken from the surface of Mars (like the one on the top left) would show a black sky, even during the day.
As mentioned above, it was used to be believed that Mars had a similar atmosphere like Earth's and that if we could find a way to travel to Mars we would be able to breathe the Martian air. The elements in the Martian air include 95% Carbon Dioxide, 3% nitrogen and traces of oxygen and water. The density of the Martian atmosphere is only 1% of Earth’s.
Compared to Earth, Mars’ sky is pinkish-orange because its dust particles light even more. It is believed that dust particles are suspended in the atmosphere all the time. The presence of all that dust would further extend the sunlight giving the Martian sky that unique colour.
Mars’ density is so low that the carbon dioxide creates only a minor greenhouse effect. Also, Mars is very cold; therefore, water crystals and clouds of dry ice (frozen CO2) float about in the Martian atmosphere.
The winds in Mars are created by air that is being heated around the surface, this air then rises and moves towards the poles. This is also the same process of winds on Earth. The planet's rotation causes the Coriolis effect, which bounces the winds so that they blow around the planet nearly parallel to the equator. Martian winds are usually a gentle breeze, although, they can sometimes rise to storm. Storms occur each season near the poles. They are created when winds pick up a large amount of dust off the surface which sometime causes the entire planet to have a giant dust storm.
Even though there are water crystals in the Martian atmosphere, no rain ever falls on Mars. This is because the atmosphere is too cold and there is not enough water in them to produce rain. There is a small quantity of water in the atmosphere that if all of it were to fall at once, it would make a layer less than 1/2000th of 2.5 cm thick. I KNOW! ISN'T THAT A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER!
Even though there is such a small quantity of water, fogs do form in some valleys. Also, on really cold nights there is frost. Around the poles, there is also carbon dioxide snow!
Interesting Fact: If Mars did not have an atmosphere, images taken from the surface of Mars (like the one on the top left) would show a black sky, even during the day.