Other Terrestrial Planets

•Mercury•Venus•Mars

Mercury DataMercury Data

Mean Distance from the sunMean Distance from the sun36,000,000 miles36,000,000 miles

0.4 AU0.4 AU

MoonsMoons00

Diameter at the EquatorDiameter at the Equator3,031 miles3,031 miles

Length of Year Length of Year (revolution around (revolution around the sun)the sun)

87.97 Earth days87.97 Earth days

Diameter if Earth = 1Diameter if Earth = 10.380.38

Length of DayLength of Day58.65 Earth days58.65 Earth days

Mass if Earth = 1Mass if Earth = 10.0550.055

Planet SymbolPlanet Symbol (draw) (draw)

Surface Gravity if Earth = 1Surface Gravity if Earth = 10.380.38

http://www.vegaattractions.com/images/1mercury.gif

DiscoveryDiscovery

Naked eye planetNaked eye planet It was first It was first

mentioned in written mentioned in written records of the records of the Sumerians (3000 Sumerians (3000 BC).BC).

Mercury is only Slightly Larger Mercury is only Slightly Larger than the Moonthan the Moon

MERCURY

OUR MOON

Mercury VisibilityMercury Visibility

Briefly at sunset or sunriseBriefly at sunset or sunriseAlways close to the sunAlways close to the sun Inferior planet phases provided proof of Inferior planet phases provided proof of

Copernican solar systemCopernican solar system

Phases of MercuryPhases of Mercury

Inferior planet (between sun and earth), Inferior planet (between sun and earth), displays phases displays phases

Visible in telescopesVisible in telescopes

Phases of Inferior PlanetsPhases of Inferior Planets

http://www.polaris.iastate.edu/EveningStar/Unit1/Graphics/PicES1_6c.gifhttp://astromm.calstatela.edu/images/planets/larousse/Me_Phases.jpg

Eccentric OrbitEccentric Orbit

Mercury’s orbit is one of the most elliptical, Mercury’s orbit is one of the most elliptical, or eccentricor eccentric

Perihelion, 46 million kmPerihelion, 46 million kmAphelion, 70 million kmAphelion, 70 million km

Planetary EccentricitiesPlanetary Eccentricities

Which planet is most eccentric?

Mercury’s Lobsided OrbitMercury’s Lobsided Orbit

www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/.../ mercury_layers.jpg

Mercury’s TemperatureMercury’s Temperature

Extreme temp changesExtreme temp changesDayside, 840 °F (450 °C) Dayside, 840 °F (450 °C) Nightside, -290 °F (-180 °C) Nightside, -290 °F (-180 °C) Venus is the hottest planetVenus is the hottest planet

Surface FeaturesSurface Features

Mercury resembles the moon Mercury resembles the moon Like the moon, it lacks a substantive Like the moon, it lacks a substantive

atmosphereatmosphereMercury is heavily cratered and very old. Mercury is heavily cratered and very old. Features: Scarps (enormous cliffs)Features: Scarps (enormous cliffs)Caloris BasinCaloris Basin

http://www.r-ds.com/images/ImagesOpera/beethoven.jpg

Discovery ScarpDiscovery Scarp

Caloris BasinCaloris Basin

About 800 miles diameterAbout 800 miles diameter Impact feature Impact feature Resembles lunar maria (seas)Resembles lunar maria (seas) Impact nearly shattered Mercury, created Impact nearly shattered Mercury, created

warped region at antipodewarped region at antipode

http://www.record-producer.com/i/capacitor-microphone-sizzle.jpg

Mercury NamesMercury Names

Features on Mercury named for famous Features on Mercury named for famous writers, musicians, and painters. writers, musicians, and painters.

Craters Beethoven, Homer, Mark Twain, Craters Beethoven, Homer, Mark Twain, and Matisseand Matisse

297 named features297 named features

Caloris Basin & Antipode Caloris Basin & Antipode

16 Largest Craters on Mercury16 Largest Craters on Mercury

1.1. BeethovenBeethoven

2.2. TolstoyTolstoy

3.3. RaphaelRaphael

4.4. GoetheGoethe

5.5. HomerHomer

6.6. VyasaVyasa

7.7. RodinRodin

8.8. MonetMonet

9.9. HaydnHaydn

10.10. MozartMozart

11.11. BachBach

12.12. ValmikiValmiki

13.13. RenoirRenoir

14.14. WrenWren

15.15. VivaldiVivaldi

16.16. MatisseMatisse

Shakespeare quadrangle of Shakespeare quadrangle of Mercury Mercury

http://www.hollowaypages.com/images/CHANDOS2.jpg

InteriorInterior

Large molten iron core Large molten iron core Mercury’s metal core Mercury’s metal core

dominates most of the dominates most of the planet’s volumeplanet’s volume

For earth’s core, only For earth’s core, only 17%, Mercury’s 80%17%, Mercury’s 80%

Mercury’s DayMercury’s Day

Mercury rotates three times in two of its Mercury rotates three times in two of its yearsyears

Rotation = 58.65 earth daysRotation = 58.65 earth daysRevolution = 87.97 earth daysRevolution = 87.97 earth daysMercury experiences only three days in Mercury experiences only three days in

two of its years.two of its years.

3(58.65) = 175.953(58.65) = 175.95

2(87.97) = 175.942(87.97) = 175.94

SpacecraftSpacecraft

Mariner 10: Visited Mercury in 1975. Mariner 10: Visited Mercury in 1975. Photographed 45% of surface Photographed 45% of surface

MESSENGER: MESSENGER: Launched 2004Launched 2004Perform 2 flybysPerform 2 flybysOrbit Mercury starting in 2011Orbit Mercury starting in 2011HomepageHomepage

Mariner 10’sMariner 10’s Mercury Mercury

(all images) http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/mission_index.html#Mariner_10

MESSENGERMESSENGER

Launched August 2004, reached Mercury Launched August 2004, reached Mercury January 2008 January 2008

Will orbit and map MercuryWill orbit and map Mercury

http://ltpwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/ltp/images/Messengercraft.jpg

MESSENGER: Jan 2008MESSENGER: Jan 2008

MESSENGER: Double-Ring Crater MESSENGER: Double-Ring Crater (1/14/08)(1/14/08)

http://messenger.jhuapl.edu/

MESSENGER: “Spider” CraterMESSENGER: “Spider” Crater

MESSENGER: Jan 2009MESSENGER: Jan 2009

Water on Mercury!?Water on Mercury!?

Ice may exist in Ice may exist in craters at Mercury’s craters at Mercury’s polespoles

Cratered areas never Cratered areas never receive sunlightreceive sunlight

Similar deposits might Similar deposits might exist on our Moonexist on our Moon

Transits of MercuryTransits of Mercury

TransitTransit: The passage of an inferior planet : The passage of an inferior planet (Venus or Mercury) across the face of the (Venus or Mercury) across the face of the sunsun

For Mercury, about 13 per centuryFor Mercury, about 13 per centuryLast was November 2006Last was November 2006SpaceweatherSpaceweather Link Link

Lore of MercuryLore of Mercury

Wednesday, or Woden’s Day, is named Wednesday, or Woden’s Day, is named for Mercuryfor Mercury

Greeks: Evening appearance Apollo, Greeks: Evening appearance Apollo, morning appearance Hermesmorning appearance Hermes

Romans: God of commerce, travel, and Romans: God of commerce, travel, and thieverythievery

Mercury was the quickest moving of the Mercury was the quickest moving of the heavenly bodies, and the first to orbit earth heavenly bodies, and the first to orbit earth in Ptolemy’s universein Ptolemy’s universe

Venus DataVenus Data

Mean Distance from the sunMean Distance from the sun67,200,000 miles67,200,000 miles

0.72 AU0.72 AU

MoonsMoonsNoneNone

Diameter at the EquatorDiameter at the Equator7,521miles7,521miles

Length of Year Length of Year (revolution around (revolution around the sun)the sun)

224.70 Earth days224.70 Earth days

Diameter if Earth = 1Diameter if Earth = 10.950.95

Length of DayLength of Day243.01 Earth days243.01 Earth days

Mass if Earth = 1Mass if Earth = 10.8150.815

Planet SymbolPlanet Symbol (draw) (draw)

Surface Gravity if Earth = 1Surface Gravity if Earth = 10.910.91

http://www.vegaattractions.com/images/1venus.gif

VenusVenus

VenusVenus: Roman goddess love and beauty : Roman goddess love and beauty Naked eye planetNaked eye planetVenus is the brightest of planet as seen Venus is the brightest of planet as seen

from earth, brightest object besides sun from earth, brightest object besides sun and the moonand the moon

Evening and Morning StarEvening and Morning Star

Evening or Morning Evening or Morning Never visible late in eveningNever visible late in eveningVenus can extend about 45º to the east or Venus can extend about 45º to the east or

west of the sunwest of the sunVenus stays in the sky much longer than Venus stays in the sky much longer than

Mercury which sets or rises near the sunMercury which sets or rises near the sunVenus often pairs with the crescent moon Venus often pairs with the crescent moon

for pretty scenesfor pretty scenes

Venus as Evening StarVenus as Evening Star

Venus as an evening star in the western sky after sunset

Venus as Morning StarVenus as Morning Star

Venus as a morning star in the eastern sky before sunrise

Changing Positions of Venus, Changing Positions of Venus, MercuryMercury

http://www.nmm.ac.uk/upload/img/mv-orbit.jpg

Evening Star: Venus and MoonEvening Star: Venus and Moon

http://www.russellsastronomy.com/sky/April-June%20Planets.htm

Phases of VenusPhases of Venus

As an inferior planet (between sun and As an inferior planet (between sun and earth), Venus displays phases that earth), Venus displays phases that resemble the phases of earth’s moon.resemble the phases of earth’s moon.

Visible in telescopesVisible in telescopesGalileo first observed the phases of Venus Galileo first observed the phases of Venus

in the early 1600s. He was the first in the early 1600s. He was the first astronomer to use a telescope to study the astronomer to use a telescope to study the night sky. night sky.

Phases of Venus, cont.Phases of Venus, cont.

Galileo’s observation of the phases of Venus Galileo’s observation of the phases of Venus provided important evidence in favor of provided important evidence in favor of Copernicus’s heliocentric (sun-centered) Copernicus’s heliocentric (sun-centered) theory of the solar system.theory of the solar system.

Ptolemaic, or earth-centered solar system Ptolemaic, or earth-centered solar system would only allow crescent phaseswould only allow crescent phases

Copernican system allows “full” VenusCopernican system allows “full” Venus

http://phyun5.ucr.edu/~wudka/Physics7/Notes_www/img152.gif

Galileo’s Venus Sketches

Venus Phases, Earth and Sun Venus Phases, Earth and Sun CenteredCentered

http://r2d2.stcloudstate.edu/~womack/astr/galileo/venuscop.jpg

Phases of Venus (Phases of Venus (Click HereClick Here))

http://www.robertsilvey.com/notes/Venus02t.jpg

8 year cycle & Synodic Period8 year cycle & Synodic Period

Venus orbits the sun 13 times in 8 earth yearsVenus orbits the sun 13 times in 8 earth years ResultResult: We witness 5 Venus events every 8 : We witness 5 Venus events every 8

earth yearsearth years For example, 5 inferior conjunctions of Venus For example, 5 inferior conjunctions of Venus

occur every 8 earth yearsoccur every 8 earth years Visually, appearances of Venus repeat every 8 Visually, appearances of Venus repeat every 8

years on virtually the same calendar dateyears on virtually the same calendar date The time between successive conjunctions of a The time between successive conjunctions of a

planet and the earth is termed the synodic planet and the earth is termed the synodic periodperiod

Venus Synodic PeriodVenus Synodic Period

Venus Synodic Period = 584 daysVenus Synodic Period = 584 daysCompared to earth’s year, this is a 5:8 Compared to earth’s year, this is a 5:8

ratioratio5 x 584 = 2920 days5 x 584 = 2920 days8 x 365 = 2920 days8 x 365 = 2920 daysCoincidenceCoincidence

8 Year Cycle8 Year Cycle

Image, draw a line Image, draw a line between earth and between earth and VenusVenus

Outer edge is earth’s Outer edge is earth’s orbitorbit

Inner circle is Venus’s Inner circle is Venus’s orbitorbit

Sun in centerSun in center

http://www.dreamhawk.com/venusearth.jpg

Retrograde RotationRetrograde Rotation

Venus’s rotation Venus’s rotation is 243 earth days is 243 earth days

Also retrograde, Also retrograde, rotates clockwiserotates clockwise

Mystery, perhaps Mystery, perhaps an impact an impact occurred?occurred?

Earth’s Sister PlanetEarth’s Sister Planet

Venus 95% Venus 95% of earth’s of earth’s diameter, diameter, 80% of 80% of earth’s massearth’s mass

Earth is Earth is heaven, heaven, Venus is hellVenus is hell

Atmosphere of VenusAtmosphere of Venus Venus is entirely covered with a thick Venus is entirely covered with a thick

atmosphere of Carbon Dioxide. atmosphere of Carbon Dioxide. Surface of Venus never visible from earthSurface of Venus never visible from earth Magellan spacecraft used radar to map planet’s Magellan spacecraft used radar to map planet’s

surfacesurface Immense greenhouse effect, Venus’s surface Immense greenhouse effect, Venus’s surface

temperature equals 900ºF (hot enough to melt temperature equals 900ºF (hot enough to melt lead).lead).

Hotter than Mercury, twice as far from the sunHotter than Mercury, twice as far from the sun High atmospheric pressureHigh atmospheric pressure Sulfuric acid rainSulfuric acid rain

Venus Greenhouse EffectVenus Greenhouse Effect

http://www.uk2planets.org.uk/images/gallery/venus_greenhouse%20effect_esa.jpg

Venus is covered with a dense layer of clouds that hides its surface.

Unlike the benign water vapor clouds on Earth, these clouds contain large amounts of sulfur dust and sulfur compounds, giving them a yellow-orange color.

The clouds on Venus are made of concentrated sulfuric acid.

Cloudy VenusCloudy Venus

Spacecraft to VenusSpacecraft to Venus

More than 20 space missions, American More than 20 space missions, American and Russianand Russian

First Mariner 2, 1962. First Mariner 2, 1962. Soviet Venera 7, the first spacecraft to Soviet Venera 7, the first spacecraft to

land on another planet, and Venera 9, land on another planet, and Venera 9, returned the first photographs of the returned the first photographs of the surface. surface.

Magellan mapped Venus (after 1990)Magellan mapped Venus (after 1990)

http://members.aol.com/NYRocketScience/space/1962/s199-us-mariner2.jpg

Mariner’s Mariner’s VenusVenus

http://www.solarviews.com/browse/venus/venusmar.jpg

1962

Venus’s Surface (Venera)Venus’s Surface (Venera)

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0311/venus_venera13.jpg

Magellan Magellan Global Global ViewsViews

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/photo_gallery/photogallery-venus.html

Venusian Landscape (Magellan)Venusian Landscape (Magellan)

Venusian CraterVenusian Crater

Surface FeaturesSurface Features

Gently sloped surface, mainly lava flowsGently sloped surface, mainly lava flows A few impact cratersA few impact craters Several depressions such as Several depressions such as Atalanta PlanitiaAtalanta Planitia.. Two large plateaus or highland areas (Two large plateaus or highland areas (Ishtar Ishtar

TerraTerra and and Aphrodite TerraAphrodite Terra), most similar to ), most similar to earth’s continentsearth’s continents

Several large volcanoes such as the Sif Mons, Several large volcanoes such as the Sif Mons, not activenot active

Unique landforms such as pancake volcanoes, Unique landforms such as pancake volcanoes, spider-like “arachnoids,” and coronaespider-like “arachnoids,” and coronae

Equatorial VenusEquatorial Venus

Venus VolcanismVenus Volcanism

(all images) http://nineplanets.edu

Unusual Volcanism, Pancake Unusual Volcanism, Pancake DomesDomes

Corona and ArachnoidCorona and Arachnoid

Early FanciesEarly Fancies

A swampy world with A swampy world with dinosaursdinosaurs

Pure fantasyPure fantasy

Transits of VenusTransits of Venus

Venus transits occur twice in 8 years, Venus transits occur twice in 8 years, separated by over 120 yearsseparated by over 120 years

One of the rarest events in astronomyOne of the rarest events in astronomyLast transit of Venus occurred June 8, Last transit of Venus occurred June 8,

2004, the next will be in 20122004, the next will be in 2012Previous transit had been in 1882Previous transit had been in 1882

June 2004 Transit of VenusJune 2004 Transit of Venus

http://www.atmob.org/Photo/venus_2004/venus%20transit%208.JPG

Transits of VenusTransits of Venus

Transit DatesTransit Dates Separation in YearsSeparation in Years

June 8, 2004June 8, 2004

June 6, 2012June 6, 2012 88

December 11, 2117December 11, 2117 105105

December 8, 2125December 8, 2125 88

June 11, 2247June 11, 2247 122122

June 9, 2255June 9, 2255 88

Feminist PlanetFeminist Planet

Surface features named after women Surface features named after women ExEx: Amelia Earhart and Sacajawea, also : Amelia Earhart and Sacajawea, also

ancient goddesses such as Ishtar and ancient goddesses such as Ishtar and AphroditeAphrodite

http://www.feministcampus.org/images/egreeting/rosie_the_riveter.jpg

““Personality” of VenusPersonality” of Venus

Rises quickly and is very brilliantRises quickly and is very brilliantHigh in the sky for a few months, sinks High in the sky for a few months, sinks

rapidly to disappear.rapidly to disappear.Moves back and forth between morning Moves back and forth between morning

and evening sky (about 9 months in each) and evening sky (about 9 months in each) Behavior interpreted in mythology (Maya, Behavior interpreted in mythology (Maya,

Sumerian) and Sumerian) and Paradise LostParadise Lost

Lore of VenusLore of Venus

SumeriansSumerians: Goddess Ishtar, conjunctions : Goddess Ishtar, conjunctions represented the goddess's death and represented the goddess's death and rebirthrebirth

GreeksGreeks: Hesperus in the evening sky, : Hesperus in the evening sky, Phosphorus in the morning skyPhosphorus in the morning sky

MayaMaya: God Quetazlcóatl (winged serpent): God Quetazlcóatl (winged serpent)Maya Venus Calendar (Dresden Codex)Maya Venus Calendar (Dresden Codex)

Goddess IshtarGoddess Ishtar

http://www.unige.ch/lettres/antic/mesopotamie/ishtar.jpg

Maya Venus, Dresden CodexMaya Venus, Dresden Codex

http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Diagrams/Dresden.jpeg

Maya Venus “Observatory” at Maya Venus “Observatory” at Chichen ItzaChichen Itza

http://centros.edu.aytolacoruna.es/sfxabier/world_links/mexico_observatory.jpg

Lore of Venus: Paradise LostLore of Venus: Paradise Lost

MiltonMilton: The movement of Venus in the sky : The movement of Venus in the sky was used as a metaphor of the fallen was used as a metaphor of the fallen angel Luciferangel Lucifer

Central theme of epic poem Central theme of epic poem Paradise LostParadise Lost Published in 1674, the poem deals directly Published in 1674, the poem deals directly

with ideas from the Biblewith ideas from the Bible

Paradise LostParadise Lost

http://www.clt.astate.edu/wnarey/Honors%20Seminars_files/Horror/summar3.jpg

http://users.ox.ac.uk/~lina0897/emwo/images/big/PARADISE_LOST.jpg

Mars DataMars Data

Mean Distance from the sunMean Distance from the sun141,500,000 miles141,500,000 miles

AUAU

MoonsMoons22

Diameter at the EquatorDiameter at the Equator4,217 miles 4,217 miles

Length of Year Length of Year (revolution around (revolution around the sun)the sun)

686.98 Earth days686.98 Earth days

Diameter if Earth = 1Diameter if Earth = 1 0.530.53

Length of DayLength of Day24 hr. 37 min. 22.6 sec.24 hr. 37 min. 22.6 sec.

Mass if Earth = 1Mass if Earth = 1 0.1070.107

Planet SymbolPlanet Symbol (draw) (draw)

Surface Gravity if Earth = 1Surface Gravity if Earth = 1 0.380.38

http://www.vegaattractions.com/astrology/symbols.html

Red PlanetRed Planet

God of WarGod of War: Mars was the Roman god of : Mars was the Roman god of war war

DiscoveryDiscovery: Mars has been known since : Mars has been known since prehistoric timesprehistoric times

A favored location for science fiction A favored location for science fiction storiesstories

Becomes very bright about every two Becomes very bright about every two years (opposition)years (opposition)

SpacecraftSpacecraft

Mariner 4, 1965Mariner 4, 1965 No canalsNo canals

Viking landers, 1976Viking landers, 1976 Twin landers, sampled soil, no lifeTwin landers, sampled soil, no life

Mars Pathfinder, 1997Mars Pathfinder, 1997 First rover missionFirst rover mission

Spirit & Opportunity, 2004Spirit & Opportunity, 2004 Twin roversTwin rovers

Phoenix, 2007Phoenix, 2007 Martian Arctic, sampled soil and iceMartian Arctic, sampled soil and ice

Mariner 4Mariner 4: No Canals (1965): No Canals (1965)

http://mpfwww.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/martianchronicle/martianchron2/issue2images/mariner4photo.jpeg

Viking Viking (1976)(1976)

http://www.hypography.com/bilder/viking_on_mars.jpg

Pathfinder (1997)Pathfinder (1997)

http://users.bigpond.net.au/Nick/Mars/Pathfinder.jpg

Pathfinder (Mars Pathfinder (Mars or Arizona?)or Arizona?)

http://anw.com/mars/images/widescene.jpg

Mars ExplorationMars Exploration

In 2004 the Mars Expedition Rovers In 2004 the Mars Expedition Rovers "Spirit" and "Opportunity" landed on Mars "Spirit" and "Opportunity" landed on Mars sending back geologic data and many sending back geologic data and many picturespictures

Spirit and Opportunity are still operating Spirit and Opportunity are still operating

http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html

Spirit & OpportunitySpirit & Opportunity

Panoramic PhotosPanoramic Photos http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040318.htmlhttp://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040318.html http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040114.htmlhttp://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040114.html http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040204.htmlhttp://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040204.html

Mars Phoenix, 2007Mars Phoenix, 2007

Phoenix, location near north pole of

Mars

Mars PhoenixMars Phoenix

Phoenix: Ice on MarsPhoenix: Ice on Mars

Mars MissionsMars Missions

Cold PlanetCold Planet

ClimateClimate: Range from –207ºF at the winter : Range from –207ºF at the winter pole to 80ºF on the day side during pole to 80ºF on the day side during summersummer

Average temperature is –67ºFAverage temperature is –67ºFMost earthlike, despite coldMost earthlike, despite coldMars has earthlike tilt (25.19Mars has earthlike tilt (25.19) ) and four and four

seasonsseasons

Dusty PlanetDusty Planet

AtmosphereAtmosphere: Thin, : Thin, mostly of carbon mostly of carbon dioxide (95.3%) plus dioxide (95.3%) plus nitrogen (2.7%) and nitrogen (2.7%) and various other gasesvarious other gases

Strong winds and Strong winds and immense dust storms immense dust storms that can cover most of that can cover most of the planet and last for the planet and last for many monthsmany months

Dust devilsDust devils

Mars Dust StormMars Dust Storm

Large ice cap made mostly of frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice)

The dry ice melts, leaving a much smaller polar cap

Martian SeasonsMartian Seasons

Surface FeaturesSurface Features

Surface: Nearly same land surface area as Surface: Nearly same land surface area as earth earth

Old and crateredOld and crateredResembles lunar highlands on earth’s Resembles lunar highlands on earth’s

moonmoonYounger features such as rift valleys, Younger features such as rift valleys,

ridges, hills, and plains. ridges, hills, and plains. Unique and interesting, Olympus Mons, Unique and interesting, Olympus Mons,

Valles MarinerisValles Marineris

Impact Craters on MarsImpact Craters on Mars

Most of these craters are found in the Southern Hemisphere, suggesting that the northern vastness has been resurfaced.

Olympus MonsOlympus Mons

http://www.physast.uga.edu/~jss/1010/ch10/mtoly.jpg

Tharsis RegionTharsis Region

Olympus Mons & clouds

Vallis Marineris (Viking)Vallis Marineris (Viking)

Mars VolcanismMars Volcanism

Mars appears to lack plate tectonics, Mars appears to lack plate tectonics, reason for huge volcanoes such as reason for huge volcanoes such as Olympus Mons. Olympus Mons.

Plate motions wouldn’t allow such large Plate motions wouldn’t allow such large piles of lava to accumulatepiles of lava to accumulate

No active volcanism has been observed No active volcanism has been observed on Marson Mars

Martian WaterMartian Water

Dry river and stream bedsDry river and stream bedsLarge lakes or oceans may have existedLarge lakes or oceans may have existed Ice CapsIce Caps: Permanent ice caps at its north : Permanent ice caps at its north

and south poles. and south poles. Mainly carbon dioxide (dry ice) with a small Mainly carbon dioxide (dry ice) with a small

amount of frozen water iceamount of frozen water iceSedimentary rocksSedimentary rocks

Martian winding canyon, photographed by the Viking orbiter

The Yangtze River in China has similar features

Water FeaturesWater Features

An ancient lake

A dried riverbed

Sedimentation

Ancient Ancient Waterways?Waterways?

Layers of rock laid down by Layers of rock laid down by waterwater

Hemetite black rocks, usually formed in water

Gullies in crater walls

Sedimentary Layers from WaterSedimentary Layers from Water

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/images/mars_water/sediments.jpg

Chyrse, “Teardrop” IslandsChyrse, “Teardrop” Islands

http://www.esa.int/images/mars_water_400.jpg

Martian IceMartian Ice

Martian Life?Martian Life?

Viking landers performed experiments to Viking landers performed experiments to determine the presence of live, results determine the presence of live, results inconclusive inconclusive

Some meteorites originated on MarsSome meteorites originated on Mars In 1996, NASA scientists announced the In 1996, NASA scientists announced the

discovery of organic compounds and discovery of organic compounds and fossilized microorganisms in Martian fossilized microorganisms in Martian meteorite ALH84001meteorite ALH84001

ControversialControversial

Viking LanderViking Lander

Viking Life ExperimentViking Life ExperimentTrenches

http://www.physics.uc.edu/~hanson/ASTRO/LECTURENOTES/ET/Earth/VikingMarsBig.jpg

Meteorite from Mars!Meteorite from Mars!

http://www.universetoday.com/am/uploads/meteorite.jpg

http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/cms/dn8004/dn8004-1_440.jpg

Martian Life? Martian Life? (ALH84001)(ALH84001)

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpi/meteorites/Photomicrograph.gif

Fear & PanicFear & Panic

Mars has two small moonsMars has two small moonsDiscovered in 1877 by Asaph HallDiscovered in 1877 by Asaph HallPhobos and Deimos—Fear and Panic—Phobos and Deimos—Fear and Panic—

after two sons of the god of war mentioned after two sons of the god of war mentioned in Homer’s in Homer’s IliadIliad. .

Small satellites (Phobos is only 24 miles Small satellites (Phobos is only 24 miles across), resemble asteroidsacross), resemble asteroids

Similar to moons in Similar to moons in Gulliver’s Travels Gulliver’s Travels (1726)(1726)

Phobos & DeimosPhobos & Deimos

http://www.sarkanniemi.fi/oppimateriaali/tahtiakatemia/kuvat/aurinkokunta/deimos_phobos.jpg

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/pgj/phobos-deimos-061105.gif

Martian NamesMartian Names

Martian NomenclatureMartian Nomenclature: System of : System of Schiaparelli. Schiaparelli.

Imaginary and real place names from Imaginary and real place names from Greek and Roman literatureGreek and Roman literature

ExEx: Solis Lacus (Lake of the Sun), Aurorae : Solis Lacus (Lake of the Sun), Aurorae Sinus (Bay of Dawn), Margaritifer Sinus Sinus (Bay of Dawn), Margaritifer Sinus (coast of India), Syrtis Major (Gulf of (coast of India), Syrtis Major (Gulf of Sidra), Mare Tyrrhenum (Tyrrhenian Sea), Sidra), Mare Tyrrhenum (Tyrrhenian Sea), Hellas (Greece), Eden and ElysiumHellas (Greece), Eden and Elysium

Observing MarsObserving Mars

Mars in the Night SkyMars in the Night Sky: Every two years, : Every two years, Mars gets very bright and easily visible.Mars gets very bright and easily visible.

Oppositions, earth and superior planet at Oppositions, earth and superior planet at minimum distance apartminimum distance apart

At opposition, superior planet rises in the At opposition, superior planet rises in the east as the sun sets in the westeast as the sun sets in the west

Oppositions of MarsOppositions of Mars

Future OppositionsFuture Oppositions 7 Nov 20057 Nov 2005 24 Dec 200724 Dec 2007 29 Jan 201029 Jan 2010 3 Mar 20123 Mar 2012 8 April 20148 April 2014 22 May 201622 May 2016 27 July 201827 July 2018 13 Oct 202013 Oct 2020

Viking’s Face on Mars (1976)Viking’s Face on Mars (1976)

http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/images%5Cface_mars.jpg

Apparent “face” on the Martian surface

22 years later, with improved 22 years later, with improved technology the feature looks more technology the feature looks more naturalnatural

Face the TruthFace the Truth

Alien with Spirit?Alien with Spirit?

Life on Mars?Life on Mars?