Red Planet Day

Red Planet Day is around the world on November 28^th. It is a holiday dedicated to Mars, the most studied planet in the solar system. Scientists have sent a huge number of robots to study the area, and who knows where this research will lead in the future.

History

November 28^th was chosen for a special reason. On this date in 1964, the automatic interplanetary station Mariner 4 was launched to explore Mars from a flyby trajectory. After 8 months, the spacecraft brilliantly completed its task, flying from the surface at a maximum approach of 9846 km. Mariner 4 sent 22 black and white photographs back to Earth, one of which was incomplete. Scientists were eager to examine the data, so they hand-colored the image and discovered that the surface was similar to the Moon, as well as the adverse climatic conditions and the absence of the ionosphere.

To this day, many dreamers dream of life on Mars, although this is not yet possible. A popular movie about life on the planet is The Martian, starring Matt Damon, who is stranded on the planet after a mission and must develop a new home.

Interesting facts

Here are some interesting facts about Mars:

• It has a pressure 160 times lower than on Earth.
• Its year is 2 times longer than Earth’s.
• Mars weighs 10 times less than our planet.
• It has a large temperature difference, with a maximum of +35°C and a minimum of -153°C.
• In the past, it was covered with water.
• In the southern hemisphere, there are geysers.
• Its sky is yellow-orange.

How to take part

If you want to join in the celebrations, there are many ways you can do so. Learn more about the planet and its research, communicate with like-minded people, and join thematic communities. You could also organize a party and decorate the room in a space-themed way.

When is Red Planet Day in 2024?

Red Planet Day is observed on November 28 each year.

Observations