Atmosphere on Mars
The atmosphere on Mars is different from Earth’s. Mars has a thin atmosphere, which means that its air pressure is much lower than Earth’s pressure. Mars’ atmosphere is mostly made up of carbon dioxide, with smaller amounts of nitrogen, argon, and oxygen. The Martian atmosphere also has traces of water vapor, but not enough to support liquid water on its surface.
Composition of Martian atmosphere
The Martian atmosphere is mostly made up of carbon dioxide (CO2), which makes up about 95% of its entire atmosphere. Nitrogen comes in second place, making up only 2.7% of the Martian atmosphere. Argon follows closely, with 1.6%, and oxygen only amounts to 0.16%.
The carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere contributes to the planet’s high diurnal temperature variation. During the day, Mars’ atmosphere absorbs the sunlight and warms up. The heat generated during the daytime is then quickly lost during the night as there is no atmospheric insulation to keep the surface warm.
Thin atmosphere and low air pressure
The atmosphere on Mars is very thin compared to Earth’s. Mars has only about 1% of the air pressure that Earth has. It means that the atmosphere on Mars is not thick enough to support human life without a spacesuit. If we were to stand on the surface of Mars without a spacesuit, the low air pressure would cause our lungs to rupture because of the lack of oxygen.
The low air pressure on Mars is also responsible for the planet’s red color. Because the air pressure on Mars is low, dust particles on the surface of the planet are not blown away by the wind. Thus, the dust accumulates and creates a red color that covers most of the planet.
Water on Mars
Mars’ atmosphere contains traces of water vapor, but there is not enough water in the atmosphere to support liquid water on the planet’s surface. However, scientists believe that there may be water in the form of ice on Mars’ poles. There is also evidence of liquid water on Mars in the past, which suggests that the planet may have had a much denser atmosphere and a warmer climate in the past.
Conclusion
The atmosphere on Mars is different from Earth’s, and it presents unique challenges for exploration and potential colonization. However, with technology and advancements in science, we may one day be able to overcome these challenges and establish a human presence on the red planet.