The Red Planet is our closest neighbor and a fun way to start getting your budding scientist into planetary exploration as it can be seen from the night sky with the naked eye.
All about the red planet
Mars is sometimes called the Red Planet. It’s red because of rusty iron in the ground. Like Earth, Mars has seasons, polar ice caps, volcanoes, canyons, and weather. It has a very thin atmosphere made of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon.
Why was the red planet named after the god of war?
According to Universe Today, is named after the Roman god of war. Many believe that ancient peoples associated Mars with bloodshed and war because of its red color. The Romans were not the only society to associate the planet with bloodshed. The ancient Babylonians called it Nergal, after their god of fire, war, and destruction.
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Other fun things for your budding astronomer:
- FREE Educational SPACE pack for Math & Reading
- Cool Moon Phases Trading Cards
- Solar System Free Printable Learning Cards
- 15 Edible Stem Challenges For Your Kid
- The Living Earth Study Unit
- Our Shining Sun Unit Study
- 20 Facts About Mission to Mars
- Know Your Planet Venus
- Know Your Planet Jupiter Quick Unit Study
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