| The “red planet" (picture
1), which owes its colour to the oxidation of iron,
has a similar composition as the Earth. Both are part
of the group called telluric
planets telluriques in the solar system (Mercury and
Venus belong to it as well). The surface temperature varies
between -125°C and 23°C, and its polar caps exist
of ice and carbonic acid snow. (picture
2) The Martian atmosphere
is very rarefied (0,006 atm) and principally composed
of CO2. Studying the atmosphere of other celestial
bodies is an important way to collect information about
the evolution of our planet. Mars could be an image
of our Earthly future. (picture
3 & 4)
A geological analysis of the surface of the planet
(picture 5) reveals the presence
of sedimentary
rocks, where layers of clay could enhance the development
of life (picture 6). This
type of rock shows the existence of lakes and river
erosion, which leads to the possibility of rivers. (picture
7) No trace of geothermic
activity was yet discovered and studying the fossil
magnetic
field shows that the tectonic
activity has disappeared since several billion years.
Apparently, we are dealing with conditions not very
favourable to life, but the search for life on Mars
is ongoing and the developments are still unpredictable.
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