Every year on November 28th, space enthusiasts around the world celebrate Red Planet Day, commemorating the historic launch of Spacecraft Mariner 4, which became the first successful flyby of Mars, also known as the Red Planet.
History of Red Planet Day
After three prior unsuccessful attempts, Mariner 4 was launched on November 28, 1964. It successfully reached Mars on July 14, 1965, capturing 22 close-up images of the Martian surface — the very first photos ever taken from deep space. These groundbreaking images provided scientists with unprecedented insights into Mars and laid the foundation for future missions that continue to explore the red planet today.
Interesting Facts About Mars
Mars is a fascinating planet with many unique features:
- The red color comes from iron oxide on its surface.
- Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun.
- It has two moons: Deimos and Phobos.
- Surface temperatures range from -191°F to 81°F. The atmosphere is thin, composed mostly of carbon dioxide.
- Mars is home to Olympus Mons, the tallest mountain in the solar system, nearly three times the height of Mount Everest.
- One year on Mars lasts 687 Earth days.
- In 2018, scientists discovered evidence of a lake beneath a polar ice cap on Mars.
Why We Celebrate Red Planet Day
Red Planet Day is not only a celebration of human achievement in space exploration but also an opportunity to learn more about Mars, its geography, moons, and atmosphere. From the historic Mariner 4 mission to modern rovers and satellites, each mission has brought us closer to understanding the mysteries of the red planet.