• Mars is about .5 astronomical units (AU) away from Earth. 

• It would take about 2.5 months to get from Earth to Mars traveling in a spacecraft. 

Size

• The diameter of Mars is about 4220 miles.

• About 6 Mars would fit inside Earth. 

Shape

• Mars has a sphere (round) shape.

Light

• Mars does not produce its own light, but it can sometimes be seen shining in the night sky because the Sun’s light reflects off its surface. 

Temperature 

• The temperature on Mars’ surface varies. It can be as hot as 70°F, or as cool as about -225°F. 

• Mars hottest temperature is similar to temperatures on Earth but Mars coldest temperature is about 3.8 times colder than Earth's average temperature. 

• Iron minerals in the soil on Mars's surface make the planet appear red in color. 

• Six rovers have explored the surface of Mars.